LONDON: London transport authorities said on Friday they would not renew Uber’s licence to operate in the city when it expires, due to public safety concerns, although the US-based ride-hailing app has said it will appeal.

Transport for London said the conduct of Uber, which has around 40,000 drivers and 3.5 million customers in the British capital, had raised concerns.

“TfL has concluded that Uber London Limited is not fit and proper to hold a private hire operator licence,” it said in a statement.

It said Uber’s “approach and conduct demonstrate a lack of corporate responsibility in relation to a number of issues which have potential public safety and security implications”.

The licence expires on September 30 but Uber has 21 days to appeal the decision, and can continue to operate until the process has been exhausted.

London joins other cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai and Cape Town in not granting a licence and the decision adds to woes for Uber’s new boss Dara Khosrowshahi following a string of controversies.

The company hit back saying the decision would “show the world that, far from being open, London is closed to innovative companies.

“By wanting to ban our app from the capital, Transport for London and the mayor have caved in to a small number of people who want to restrict consumer choice,” the company said in a statement.

London’s traditional “black cab” drivers have long campaigned against the service, and welcomed Friday’s decision.

Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association said: “The Mayor has made the right call not to relicense Uber,” said Steve McNamara, general secretary of the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association.

“We expect Uber will again embark on a spurious legal challenge against the Mayor and TfL, and we will urge the court to uphold this decision. This immoral company has no place on London’s streets.”

Published in Dawn, September 23rd, 2017