Dominic Browne 24 September 2019

Uber granted two month licence

Transport for London (TfL) has issued Uber London Limited (ULL) with a two-month private hire operator licence after previously trying to oust to ride hailing app from its network

The transport authority said that its original decision not to license ULL had 'led to the app-based firm improving its culture and governance'.

After being dropped by TfL, Uber appealed the decision and received a 15-month private hire operator’s licence from the Chief Magistrate with conditions. The licence was due to expire on Wednesday 25 September.

The new two-month licence will have the same conditions, although TfL is also requesting 'additional information' from Uber.

A TfL spokesperson said: 'Uber London Limited has been granted a two-month private hire operator licence to allow for scrutiny of additional information that we are requesting ahead of consideration of any potential further licensing application.'

Caroline Russell AM, Green Party Member of the London Assembly, said: 'I welcome keeping pressure on Uber to be a fit and proper private hire operator, but drivers will be concerned for their future. The mayor, and Government, must act decisively across the private hire and ‘gig economy’ to stop the exploitation of drivers, including bringing in a cap on numbers of vehicles licenced.

'Ironically Uber itself already knows all the information – like hours drivers work and their earnings, number and types of trips taken by Londoners – that TfL needs to bring in proper regulation to protects workers.

'TfL must follow New York’s lead and demand access to this vital data from Uber as a condition of licencing.'

The conditions under which Uber can operate include:

  • A requirement for Uber to produce an independently verified assurance report every six months
  • A requirement for the addition of three non-executive directors to its board
  • A requirement for notice of at least 28 days for changes to ULL’s operating model
  • A requirement to maintain arrangements with the Metropolitan Police for the reporting of passenger complaints that may be criminal.
  • The new two-month licence will have the same conditions along with new conditions to ensure passenger safety, these cover ride sharing, appropriate insurance and driver document checks by Uber.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior/Principal Regeneration Officer

Fareham Borough Council
£45,465 - £55,379
Our town centre regeneration is moving from planning to delivery, and we're looking for someone who wants to help make regeneration happen. Fareham, Hampshire
Recuriter: Fareham Borough Council

Policy and Reporting Officer (Grade H)

Nottingham City Council
£40,777 – £44,075
You will help ensure staff have access to clear and effective guidance that supports consistent and high-quality practice. Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Nottingham City Council

Practice Lead (Grade I)

Nottingham City Council
£46,142 - £49,282
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced social worker Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Nottingham City Council

Lead Child Protection Practitioner (LCPP) (Grade J)

Nottingham City Council
£51,356 – £54,495
You will promote best practice, support continuous improvement and help drive positive outcomes for children and young people. Nottingham, Nottinghamshire
Recuriter: Nottingham City Council

Strategic Director of Corporate and Governance Services

Isle of Wight Council
Grade 19, from £115,794 to £124,441 per annum
This pivotal leadership role sits at the heart of our council and will give you an opportunity to truly influence organisational success Isle of Wight
Recuriter: Isle of Wight Council
Linkedin Banner