Transport for London (TfL) decided not to renew the licence that Uber holds for operating in London. Uber has now one month to appeal, during which time (and the appeal procedure) they may continue to conduct business in London. If the appeal is unsuccessful, however, this may cause thousands of Uber drivers to lose their extra income and Londoners to have to switch back to more expensive black cabs, overcrowded public transport or investing in hiking shoes.
The decision not to renew the license is based on "public safety and security" concerns, meaning Uber apparently not doing its best in background checks for its drivers and not reporting criminal offences. Uber denies these accusations, claiming that their practices are no different from those of black cabs. Is it then just a matter of restricting access to innovative services, sustaining the old-fashioned options? This will be undoubtedly followed as the case continues. Read more e.g. here: Uber Loses Its License to Operate in London.
