Transport for London (TfL) informed Uber London Ltd. that it will not be issued with a private hire operator license after expiration of its current license at the end of September.

TfL's regulation of London's taxi and private hire trades is designed to ensure passenger safety. “Private hire operators must meet rigorous regulations, and demonstrate to TfL that they do so, in order to operate. TfL must also be satisfied that an operator is fit and proper to hold a license,” TfL said in a release.

TfL has concluded that Uber London Ltd. is not fit and proper to hold a private hire operator license, the agency continued. TfL considers that 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, including:

Its approach to reporting serious criminal offences.

Its approach to how medical certificates are obtained.

Its approach to how Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks are obtained.

Its approach to explaining the use of Greyball in London — software that could be used to block regulatory bodies from gaining full access to the app and prevent officials from undertaking regulatory or law enforcement duties.

The Private Hire Vehicles (London) Act 1998 includes provision to appeal a licensing decision within 21 days of it being communicated to the applicant. Uber London Ltd. can continue to operate until any appeal processes have been exhausted.

No further comment will be made by TfL pending any appeal of this decision.