York becomes third UK city to ban Uber

Uber’s licence in York won’t be renewed when it expires on Christmas Eve, the company’s third suspension in the UK after bans in London and Sheffield.

The Gambling, Licensing and Regulatory Committee refused the renewal application last night, after complaints that drivers from outside the city were touting for business inside it. There were also concerns over the data breach last year that affected 57 million customers and drivers, the Yorkshire Post reports.

Around 28,000 customers used Uber’s York service in the last three months.

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The move follows September’s decision by Transport for London (TfL) not to renew Uber’s licence over safety concerns, while Sheffield suspended the app when it failed to answer questions about management. Officials in Cambridge meet on Monday to decide whether they will also refuse a renewal application.

Uber in London will continue to operate until at least April, while it appeals TfL’s ruling. The app blames the Sheffield suspension on an administrative error and is considering an appeal.

Neil McGonigle, general manager, says Uber will review the latest ban when it receives formal notice from the council.