Regulator Transport for London (TfL) said Uber\u2019s conduct posed risks to public safety and it would not renew its licence when it expires on Sept. 30. Uber has 21 days to appeal and can continue to operate until the appeal process has finished.<\/p>\n
\u201cUber\u2019s approach and conduct demonstrate a lack of corporate responsibility in relation to a number of issues which have potential public safety and security implications,\u201d TfL said.<\/p>\n
Uber, which accounts for a third of private hire vehicles on London\u2019s streets, said it would contest the decision.<\/p>\n
\u201cTransport for London and the Mayor have caved in to a small number of people who want to restrict consumer choice,\u201d said Tom Elvidge, Uber\u2019s general manager in London.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe intend to immediately challenge this in the courts.\u201d<\/p>\n
Uber has been attacked by London\u2019s black cab drivers who say it has undercut safety rules and threatened their livelihoods.<\/p>\n
The U.S. firm has also faced criticism from unions and lawmakers and been embroiled in\u00a0legal battles over workers\u2019 rights<\/a>.<\/p>\n Uber has endured a tumultuous few months after a string of scandals involving allegations of sexism and bullying at the Silicon Valley start-up that\u00a0forced out former CEO and co-founder Travis Kalanick<\/a>.<\/p>\n The app has been forced to quit several countries including Denmark and Hungary and faced\u00a0regulatory battles<\/a>\u00a0in multiple U.S. states and countries around the world.<\/p>\n One of Uber\u2019s British competitors in London, Addison Lee, is also awaiting a decision from TfL about a longer-term licence. The company declined to comment on Friday.<\/p>\n London Mayor Sadiq Khan said he backed the decision to reject Uber\u2019s application for a new licence.<\/p>\n \u201cAll companies in London must play by the rules and adhere to the high standards we expect \u2013 particularly when it comes to the safety of customers,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cIt would be wrong if TfL continued to license Uber if there is any way that this could pose a threat to Londoners\u2019 safety and security.\u201d<\/p>\n