London cabbies plan to sue Uber for damages

Thousands of drivers involved in litigation accuse ride-hailing app of operating unlawfully

Some 4,000 black taxi drivers said to be behind legal action (Getty Images)

A group of London cabbies is planning to sue ride-hailing firm Uber for millions of pounds for an alleged breach of taxi rules.

A reported 4,000 taxi drivers are taking Uber to court for damages, claiming the firm operated unlawfully over a six-year period.

The group, represented by the law firm Mishcon de Reya, alleges Uber violated London's private hire rules from 2012 to 2018.

Black cab drivers claim the alleged breach of regulations undercut them and resulted in a loss of earnings.

Uber denies any wrongdoing, saying it "operates lawfully in London" and the allegations are "completely unfounded".  

London taxi laws state that people must book minicabs through an office, but can hail a black cab on the street.

The lawsuit, part of a planned anti-Uber campaign by black-cab drivers this year, will claim that Uber let customers hail its drivers directly, breaking the aforementioned rules.

RGL Management, a litigation firm helping cabbies with the lawsuit, says more than 4,000 drivers have signed up so far.

According to RGL,  full-time drivers could claim for around £25,000 each in lost earnings for the six-year period when Uber is alleged to have broken the rules.

The group is aiming to bring the case to the High Court early next year.

An Uber spokeswoman said: "Uber operates lawfully in London and these allegations are completely unfounded.

"We are proud to serve this great global city and the 45,000 drivers in London who rely on the app for earnings opportunities, and are committed to helping people move safely."