Uber ban: Ride-hailing app in court for appeal of TfL’s decision to revoke London licence

The hearing is expected to continue for several days at Westminster Magistrates' Court

Uber heads to court this week to appeal Transport for London’s decision not to renew its licence last year on the grounds of public safety and security.

Westminster Magistrates’ Court will consider whether Uber is 'fit and proper' to hold an operator licence, in the second stage of an appeal which began in December last year. The case is expected to continue for several days.

TfL stripped the ride-hailing app of its licence in September 2017, and said the decision was made on the basis of “public security and safety implications” following numerous complaints the company was failing to properly screen the backgrounds of its drivers with multiple complaints of sexual assault made by women customers.

Last August, Metropolitan Police Inspector Neil Billany wrote to TfL about his concern that the company was failing to properly investigate allegations of assault made against its drivers.

Uber immediately announced plans to appeal, and the firm was permitted to continue operating as usual throughout the process, which could carry on for several more stages after the current hearing.

The company has made various changes to its UK operation since losing its London licence last year, including adding three non-executive directors to its board and forming new driver advisory groups.

The firm has also started giving drivers across Europe sickness cover and maternity pay under new insurance policies, in the face of ongoing pressure over its employment policies.

Uber has suggested that an 18 month licence might be more appropriate than a five year one as it continues to implement changes within the organisation.

Meanwhile, the court has also asked TfL and Uber to discuss possible licence conditions in the event that the chief magistrate decides to grant Uber a licence after this week’s hearing.

Uber is also currently in the process of appealing Brighton and Hove council's decision not to renew its taxi operating licence.

The council said its ban was based on "significant concerns about the company’s data breach" - the firm admitted in November last year that 2.7m UK customers’ details were obtained by hackers - as well as the company’s lack of commitment to using only Brighton and Hove licensed drivers was another factor in the decision.