Victory for Uber as minicab firm WINS court battle with London transport bosses meaning it can continue operating
A judge in London overturned TfL's decision to revoke Uber's licence to operate in the capital
UBER today regained the right to operate in London as a court renewed the firm's licence for 15 months.
Transport for London's decision to remove Uber's licence was overturned nine months after it was announced.
The news will come as a relief for millions of Londoners who use the app-based minicab service to get around - but furious taxi drivers accused the justice system of letting Londoners down.
Uber was allowed to continue operating in the capital while appealing the initial TfL decision.
But if the firm had lost today's appeal, it would have had to wind up its operations in London quickly.
Judge Emma Arbuthnot ruled that TfL was right to refuse Uber a new licence in September last year on the grounds that the firm was not "fit and proper" to operate taxis in the city.
But she concluded that the company has now made enough changes to its business practices to allow it to continue operating.
Uber promised to work closely with the authorities to ensure that the firm doesn't cover up hacking attacks or crimes committed by drivers - as has happened in the past.
The company - which must pay TfL's legal costs in the case - will also train its drivers to make sure they know how to keep vulnerable passengers safe.
And they've introduced free insurance coverage for drivers as well as a 24/7 helpline so customers can report problems.
When the 15-month probation period expires next September, TfL bosses will have the chance to decide whether or not to renew the firm's licence.
Uber boss Tom Elvidge said: "We are pleased with today’s decision. We will continue to work with TfL to address their concerns and earn their trust, while providing the best possible service for our customers."
But black cab drivers reacted with fury and pledged to continue fighting against Uber in the courts.
Steve McNamara of the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association said: “The justice system has failed Londoners today and let an aggressive multinational corporation win.
"Uber is not a fit and proper operator and the LTDA will be consulting its lawyers as to how we can hold it to account and keep streets safe for Londoners."
Sadiq Khan, who backed TfL's initial decision, claimed the scare faced by Uber had forced the company to clean up its act.
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He said: "No matter how big or powerful you are, you must play by the rules – especially when it comes to the safety of Londoners."
Tech experts called on regulators to let other competitors to Uber start working in the UK, in a bid to drive prices down for passengers.
Sam Dumitriu of the Adam Smith Institute said: "They should now open London’s minicab market up to other foreign operators such as Lyft and Estonia’s Taxify."
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