Updated Oct. 13, 2017,
10:30 a.m. Eastern
Uber has appealed Transport for London's
decision not to renew Uber's private-hire operator license. Today was the last
day Uber could appeal, which it did by filing with the Westminster Magistrates'
Court, according to CNBC. CNBC also cited a spokesperson for the U.K. judiciary office as saying the
hearing likely will take place Dec. 11.
London taxi and car-for-hire
regulator Transport for London informed Uber for London that its private-hire
operator license will not be renewed. The license expires a week from tomorrow,
on Sept. 30. However, Uber can appeal by Oct. 13, based on the Private Hire
Vehicles (London) Act 1998, and can continue to operate until the end of the
appeals process.
"TfL considers
that Uber's approach and conduct demonstrate a lack of corporate
responsibility," according to a statement that cited "potential
public safety and security implications." Those include reporting serious
criminal offenses, how drivers' medical certificates are obtained, driver
screening and Uber's explanation of software that might have blocked regulators
from performing their duties.
Uber exec Fred Jones
told BBC that Uber will appeal, and Leigh Day attorney Nigel Mackay told BBC the
appeal could go to the Supreme Court and the appeals process could be lengthy.
While TfL cited
public safety in its decision, it acknowledged that Uber can continue to
operate throughout an appeals process. Meanwhile, the Private Hire
Vehicles Act cites "the interests of public safety" as a reason a
license can be suspended, varied or revoked immediately.
Uber has been
operating on a short-term license since May while Tfl has been considering a
five-year license.