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.
Skills Pipelines: What local government needs to know image

Skills Pipelines: What local government needs to know

Councils and mayors are to be handed a central role in developing skills pipelines for local industries, as the Government unveils what it calls a ‘fundamental change’ to the education system aimed at tackling youth unemployment. Here's what council leaders and officers need to know.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Compliance and Works Coordination Manager

Derbyshire County Council
Grade 12 £44,433 - 47,925 per annum
This role is central to ensuring that all highway activities are delivered safely, efficiently, and in full compliance. Derbyshire
Recuriter: Derbyshire County Council

Accounting Officer

Middlesbrough Council
£33,699 - £35,412
An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Financial Planning and Support team for a confident and motivated individual. Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: Middlesbrough Council

Social Work Trainee (Apprentice)

Gloucestershire County Council
£33,143 - £36,363 per annum
Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and families across Gloucestershire? Gloucestershire
Recuriter: Gloucestershire County Council

Director of Law, Governance, Policy and HR - Monitoring Officer

Rushcliffe Borough Council
£107,232 to £112,065
This is a pivotal role, providing leadership across legal, HR, electoral and policy services at a defining moment for local government. West Bridgford, Nottingham
Recuriter: Rushcliffe Borough Council

Corporate Director Children's Services

Buckinghamshire Council
£Competitive
Children's Services plays a critical role in shaping the future of Buckinghamshire. Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire
Recuriter: Buckinghamshire Council
Linkedin Banner