Uber’s hopes for securing a long-term, five-year license for London look set to fail after it was revealed that Transport for London (TfL) are close to rejecting the bid.
Uber’s current license runs out next month, and although they are likely to have it renewed, it will last no longer than two years. Such a decision could be a blow to Uber, which is used by millions of Londoners and close to 40,000 drivers in the capital.
TfL took away Uber’s permanent licence in 2017, on the grounds it was not fit and proper to hold a licence in London. Concerns pointed towards unsatisfying background checks on drivers and a refusal to report criminal incidents to police.
After appealing the decision in June last year, Uber were given a 15-month probationary license, forcing the company to change its business model and address those concerns raised from TfL. Additions to Uber now include a 24-hour hotline for passengers, limits on driver hours and serious incidents reported to the police.