Uber gets two-month extension to London licence

Mobile phone with Uber app in front of Big Ben

Taxi booking firm Uber has had its right to operate in London extended for two months.

The firm lost its licence in 2017 due to public safety concerns, after which a judge granted a 15-month extension which was due to expire on Wednesday.

Transport for London (TfL) said its licence would now be renewed temporarily while it requested additional information from the firm.

Uber must also meet new conditions on passenger safety, it said.

It means the taxi firm must wait until November to find out if it will be granted a new five-year licence.

Jamie Heywood, Uber’s regional general manager for northern and eastern Europe, said the firm would “continue to work closely with TfL and provide any additional requested information”.

He added: “Over the past two years, we’ve launched a range of new safety features in the app, introduced better protections for drivers and our clean air plan is helping to tackle air pollution.”

But the GMB union, which represents Uber drivers, said the firm has had “more chances than a game of monopoly”.

Regional officer Steve Garelick said: “A two month licence extension is no good for anyone – it leaves uncertainty for drivers and passengers, meanwhile Uber still operates an unsafe model on the streets of London.

“Transport for London has simply kicked the can down the road and show no regard for driver or public safety.”