Uber could potentially lose its biggest market in London. According to a release from Transportation for London (TfL) on Friday, the reason is simply that “Uber London Limited is not fit and proper to hold a private hire operator licence.”
According to TfL, the transportation authorities took issue with the favorite ride-sharing company because they allege that the app didn’t properly report criminal offenses, it’s problematic approach to obtaining medical certificates and that there were some additional concerns over how their software works.
“I fully support TfL’s decision,” London Mayor Sadiq Khan said, according to the Hill. “It would be wrong if TfL continued to license Uber if there is any way that this could pose a threat to Londoners’ safety and security.”
TfL has today informed Uber that it will not be issued with a private hire operator licence. pic.twitter.com/nlYD0ny2qo
— Transport for London (@TfL) September 22, 2017
As Uber’s largest market, it’s set to lose more than 40,000 drivers in this move, the Hill reports. The company also has the option to try to repeal London’s decision by September 30 — and, according to Business Insider, they plan to challenge the decision in court.
Black-cab driver groups, former Uber drivers and politicians are partially to blame for London’s boot on the app, Business Insider reported, as those groups have alleged that the company doesn’t pay enough in taxes, treats drivers poorly, puts passengers at risk and are damaging the black-taxi industry in the city.
This isn’t the first time Uber has been banned by a city, but they claim that they have tirelessly worked to make the app safer and place more restrictions to ensure the safety of their passengers.