Uber Wins London Appeal, Allowed To Keep Driving

British appeal court judge rules that London based Uber cars and their drivers can continue to stay on the road – for now, anyway.

Uber has won its appeal against a Transport For London (TFL) decision not to renew the ride-sharing company’s license in the United Kingdom capital.

Uber has been given 15 months to prove it can be trusted over safety concerns in London. However, in what could be seen as a win for both Uber and TFL, Uber has only been given a probationary 15-month license to operate in London.

Earlier in the hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, the company admitted the original decision not to renew its license was correct but claimed it has since made “substantial changes” in how it conducts its business.

Uber has been given 15 months to prove it can be trusted over safety concerns in London

Uber no longer in proper ‘botha’

Chief Magistrate Emma Arbuthnot, in making the ruling said that Uber were a ‘fit and proper’ transport service.

Uber lost its operating license last year for a number of reasons, among them the safety and security concerns of both drivers, their vehicles, and passengers.

Speaking after the ruling, Tom Elvidge, Uber general manager of Uber in the UK, 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.”

London Mayor, Sadiq Khan, released his own statement on the appeal’s outcome stating that  “After years of operating poorly in London, Uber has now accepted that TFL’s action in refusing to renew their licence was totally justified. Today our stance has been vindicated by the court….”Uber has been put on probation – their 15 month licence has a clear set of conditions that TFL will thoroughly monitor and enforce.”

Expensive day out for Uber

It wasn’t all plain sailing though. Uber admitted that some of Transport For London’s concerns had been valid. Consequently, Uber were ordered to pay the cost of the appeal. The company agreed to pay a sum £425,000. (US$ 560,423.)