Transport for London, the city’s local government body which regulates its transport system, said that Uber has shown "a lack of corporate responsibility in relation to a number of issues which have potential public safety and security implications".
TfL have also criticised Uber’s use of Greyball, a technological software that can block governmental agencies from acquiring full access to its app and enforcing penalties.
However, this seems to not be the end for Uber in London just yet as the company have declared that it will take TfL’s decision to court. The agency have stated:
"Transport for London and the mayor have caved in to a small number of people who want to restrict consumer choice."
Tom Elvidge, manager of Uber in London furthermore stated that: "This ban would show the world that, far from being open, London is closed to innovative companies who bring choice to consumers."
In London, 40,000 drivers rely on Uber to make a living and approximately 3.5 million customers in the city use the app on a regular basis.
According to TfL, the company have 21 days to appeal to their decision. In the meantime, Uber have been granted with the permission to continue operating in London until the end of the appeal process.
Uber, as a global transport agency, have not sustained a clean reputation in the past few months following accusations of sexism and bullying. As well as this, countries such as Denmark and Hungary have banned Uber and the company itself have endured a multiplicity of worldwide court battles.
Saqid Khan, mayor of London, has defended TfL’s decision by stating that: "All companies in London must play by the rules and adhere to the high standards we expect - particularly when it comes to the safety of customers."
He furthermore said: “I want London to be at the forefront of innovation and new technology and to be a natural home for exciting new companies that help Londoners by providing a better and more affordable service.
Steve McNamara, General Secretary of the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association said that: "This immoral company has no place on London's streets."
Sources – BBC News, Sky News, The Guardian
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