Uber ban in London: Black cab bosses hail TFL decision as 'right call'

The Licensed Taxi Drivers' Association had levelled criticism on the US tech giant – saying it had refused to take responsibility for passenger safety

Black cab drivers last year blocked streets in London in a protest against Uber. The smartphone app firm said it would ‘immediately’ appeal the decision by TFL today not to renew its licence. (PA)

Black cab bosses have hailed the move not to renew the licence for Uber in London when it runs out in just over a week as the “right call”.

Transport for London ruled that the taxi-hailing app company was not “fit and proper” to continue operating in the capital.

It took “passenger safety” into account in its decision after police claimed the US tech firm had failed to report serious crimes by drivers, including a case of sexual assault against one woman customer.

The Licensed Taxi Drivers' Association, which represents black cab drivers in London, had been pushing a long-running lobbying campaign to shut Uber out of the capital.

The tech firm has poached millions of its users who in the past would have hailed a taxi on the street or jumped into one at a rank.

Steve McNamara, general secretary of the Licensed Taxi Drivers' Association, said: “The Mayor has made the right call not to relicense Uber.

“Since it first came onto our streets Uber has broken the law, exploited its drivers and refused to take responsibility for the safety of passengers.

"We expect Uber will again embark on a spurious legal challenge against the Mayor and TfL, and we will urge the court to uphold this decision. This immoral company has no place on London's streets."

He spoke after some 8,000 black cab drivers last year brought central London to a standstill in a protest at how Uber was squeezing them out of the market. It offers fares that are usually cheaper than traditional taxis.

Uber can appeal against the decision within 21 days and can continue operating in London "until any appeal processes have been exhausted".

The app giant has confirmed it will challenge the decision by TFL, which is under the jurisdiction of London Mayor Sadiq Khan.

Uber's general manager in London, Tom Elvidge, hit out at the regulator's ruling.

He said: “By wanting to ban our app from the capital Transport for London and the Mayor have caved in to a small number of people who want to restrict consumer choice.

“We intend to immediately challenge this in the courts.”

Uber has some 40,000 drivers on its books in the capital – many of whom moonlight away from other jobs – and shuttles around some 3.5 million passengers who use the app, figures show.