UK: Uber granted 15-month license to operate in London June 26 /update 1

Event

On Tuesday, June 26, the Westminster Magistrates' Court granted the ride-sharing company Uber a 15-month probationary license to operate in London. According to court representative, the license was granted following internal reforms implemented by the company. Demonstrations by London taxi unions, and associated transportation disruptions, are possible in the coming weeks.

Context

In September 2017, Transport for London (TfL) announced that Uber's private hire operator license, which was set to expire on September 30, 2017, would not be renewed. Nevertheless, Uber's 45,000 drivers in London have continued to operate as the company appealed the license expiration.

Uber has been accused by taxi driver unions of disrupting the London minicab and taxi market. Moreover, it has been criticized for poor alleged working conditions, failing to adequately address sexual assault cases, and failing to enforce comprehensive criminal checks for its drivers.

Advice

Individuals in London are advised to avoid all demonstrations as a precaution.