LPHCA statement on Uber Private Hire Operator License Renewal

The Licensed Private Hire Car Association has released a statement calling for Uber's licence renewal to be scrapped in London.

The minicab association is the latest of a long line of groups to have called for their withdrawal from the capital. Hard lobbying by taxi and private hire representatives have also been backed up with concerns from the GLA, Met Police, MP's and widespread national media. 

The statement said:

"The Licensed Private Hire Car Association welcomes the London Assembly unanimous call of 6th July 2017 for Transport for London not to renew Uber’s private hire operator licence. We wholly support this motion. 

Like many interested groups, as reportedly stated by Mr Kurten AM at the Plenary Session, we have long expressed apprehensions about the poor practices of this business and its structure. 

Over the past few months our concerns have been strengthened by numerous publicly reported events. These include: 

Investigation into correspondence between Uber and the Prime Minister’s Office by the Information Commissioners Office on 13th April 2017.

Competition reduction, attributed to Uber, within the market found by the accountancy firm Moore Stephens on 24th July 2017.

Allegations of passenger fare exploitation by Uber drivers found by Warwick Business School and New York University on 2nd August 2017.

Criticism for failing to report serious crimes, including sexual assault, by Uber drivers from the Metropolitan Police on 13th August 2017.

Further to the above, Uber has been subject to ongoing questions about its working practices, driver engagement and payment of tax. Uber drivers have also been successfully prosecuted by Transport for London for carrying passengers without proper insurance. This followed a complaint, from a Licensed Private Hire Car Association member, that one of their vehicles was being used uninsured by a driver for Uber work. The lack of robust documentary checks raised additional consternation as to regulatory compliance.

Transport for London also successfully prosecuted Uber London Limited on the charge of Causing or permitting a person to use a motor vehicle on a road (or other public place) without a policy of insurance. Modernisation of transport services is, we accept, a necessary progressive step but it should not risk public safety or the reputation of the wider licensed private hire trade. 

In adding our support to the London Assembly motion, the Licensed Private Hire Car Association calls for Transport for London not to renew Uber’s private hire operator licence on 30th September 2017."