Uber has been warned it faces shut down in London unless it can “ensure passenger safety”.
It has just two months to meet the conditions demanded by Transport for London (TfL).
Uber has only been granted a two-month licence – the shortest ever issued.
It could have been given a five-year licence to operate.
Uber’s application was rejected in 2017 after TfL described it as “not a fit and proper firm”.
It was concerned about passenger safety.
The app-based company appealed and was given a 15-month licence by the courts.
That expires today (Wednesday).
A TfL spokesman said:
“Uber London Limited has been granted a two-month private hire operator licence to allow for scrutiny of additional information that we are requesting ahead of consideration of any potential further licensing application.”
TfL would not reveal what further information it required.
Jamie Heywood, Uber’s regional general manager for northern and eastern Europe, said:
“TfL’s recognition of our improved culture and governance reflects the progress we have made in London.
“We will continue to work closely with TfL and provide any additional requested information.
“We will keep listening, learning and improving to provide the best service while being a trusted partner to London.”
Steve McNamara, general secretary of the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association, said:
“Granting Uber a two-month temporary licence clearly shows that the firm have failed their probation and are still a huge threat to public safety.
“Over the last 15 months, Uber was supposed to change its operations for the better but the firm has continued to shirk its responsibilities.
“The granting of the shortest operator’s licence ever shows that the mayor doesn’t trust Uber, and neither should Londoners.
“It’s time the mayor pulled the plug on Uber’s immoral operation for good.”
