London’s Uber ban ‘politically motivated’

Uber has accused Transport for London (TfL) of playing politics with its ban on the ride-sharing firm, but it also says it is willing to make concessions to have its licence to operate restored.

According to the Financial Times, a source close to Uber made the claim, on the basis that two of the four reasons TfL gave for revoking the firm’s licence last week are unfair.

TfL said Uber does not properly background check its drivers or ensure they have medical certificates showing them fit to drive – but the FT’s source says it is TfL’s responsibility to vet drivers on both counts.

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An Uber driver who is suing the company for paid holiday and other working conditions, James Farrar, told the FT the charges were “bogus” and said the system had been politicised.

Uber’s London boss, Tom Elvidge, told The Sunday Times the firm was willing to make some concessions in order to have its licence restored. “A source close to TfL said the move was encouraging and talks were a possibility,” the paper reports.

A petition opposing the end of Uber in London has been signed by more than 680,000 people – and drivers are planning to protest outside TfL’s offices on Wednesday. Uber can continue to operate for the next 21 days, until the appeal process ends.