Sunday 24th November saw the latest extension to the Uber operating licence expire in London. From a Transport for London (TfL) perspective their licence is revoked due to continuing concerns.
It is acknowledged by TfL and the Mayor of London that Uber has made good progress, but a “pattern of failures” had been identified where passenger safety and security were at risk. One failure that is particularly disconcerting, where unauthorised drivers were permitted to upload their photo to authorised drivers accounts, according to TfL this meant that between late 2018 and early 2019 around 14,000 were fraudulent. Added to which was the creation of accounts by drivers that had either been suspended or dismissed by Uber. The creation of these accounts enabled these drivers to continue to carry passengers under the name of Uber but passengers were likely not to be insured for their journey as the driver was unlicensed.
However, like with the other licence as Uber are set to appeal this decision, they will be permitted to continue to operate pending a court appearance and a magistrate’s decision.
London is in the top five of the Uber global market and there are approximately 45,000 Uber drivers in the area.
