Uber Loses License to Operate in London

Ride-hailing service Uber was stripped of its license to operate in London by the city’s transportation authorities Monday.

The move came after regulators said they had found widespread instances of unauthorized drivers using the Uber app to pick up customers.

Transport for London, the city’s main transportation regulator, said it had uncovered 14,000 instances in late 2018 and early 2019 in which unauthorized drivers were able to use Uber’s software to upload their photos and pick up riders.

This loophole in Uber’s own software allowed drivers to effectively spoof the account of an authorized driver. All 14,000 rides were as a result uninsured, the regulator said, and involved 43 drivers.  Two of the drivers were were not licensed by Transport for London and had not undergone a criminal background check or driving test and one driver who undertook at least one ride had had his license revoked.

The company will be able to continue to operate in London during an appeals process.

In September 2017, Transport for London declined to renew Uber’s license, citing governance issues at the company.  Uber regained its license in June 2018 after a judge for the Westminster Magistrates’ Court gave the green light for the company to receive a probationary license that requires a review after 15 months. A standard taxi license is for five years.

(Photo: Accura Media Group)