Uber Kick-starts Legal Tussle Over Its London Operating License

Ride-hailing standout, Uber, is girding up to challenge the decision that stripped them of their London operation license. The legal battle was initiated on Friday as Uber officially lodged their appeal. This pivotal step marks the onset of a riveting legal dispute over Uber’s license in one of its most significant European markets.

This comes a month after Transport for London (TFL) stunned Uber by declaring them unfit to operate a taxi service in the city. TFL justified their refusal to renew the company’s operation permit citing Uber’s laxity in reporting criminal offences and their inadequate background check of drivers, claiming these issues pose serious threats to the safety of Londoners.

According to a Reuters report, a spokesperson from Britain’s Judicial Office revealed that Uber’s appeal marked the start of a lengthy legal battle. The Silicon Valley giant is set to contest the city’s decision with support from formidable financial forces, Goldman Sachs, and BlackRock. These global finance giants are expected to champion Uber’s cause at a hearing likely due on December 11th, 2017.

Although London Mayor Sadiq Khan criticized Uber for enlisting an exceptional team of PR experts and lawyers into their ranks, a spokesperson from Uber stated that discussions with TFL are still ongoing. He mentioned, “While we have today filed our appeal so that Londoners can continue using our app, we hope to maintain constructive discussions with Transport for London.” The spokesperson further pledged an unwavering resolve to rectifying the situation.

In an overlapping dispute this month, two Uber drivers launched a tribunal case against the company and bagged a victory that entitled them to workers’ rights such as minimum wage and holiday pay. This verdict threatened the transport company’s business model.

TFL (Transport for London), decided to withhold comments until the court’s appointed day and the appeal has been heard. The Mayor’s spokesperson, who is also the chairman of TFL, emphasized their belief in playing by the city’s rules and backed their license decision on Uber.

During a Q&A session on Friday, he assured that they will do everything possible to defend their decision on Uber’s license. He commented, “The courts now will consider the appeal from Uber and of course TFL will defend the decision they made.”

With the legal battle lines now clearly drawn between the London transport authority and the American ride-hailing giant over Uber’s operating license, all we can do is amiably wish both parties the best of luck in their impending showdown.