Londoners “frustrated” with short Uber licence stalling “exciting plans for the London market”, says

A London Assembly member has called for the London Mayor to get behind Uber and their “exciting plans for the London market”. Andrew Boff, a Conservative Assembly Member who recently lost the race to become the Tory mayoral candidate in 2020, suggests that Londoners “will be rightly frustrated” with the decision to only grant ride-hailing service Uber a two-month licence extension.

Transport for London (TfL) announced its decision on Tuesday to issue Uber with a two-month private hire operator licence, instead on the usual five year full licence. The new two-month licence will have the same conditions that Uber has been subject to over the last 15 months, along with new conditions covering ride sharing, appropriate insurance and driver document checks by Uber.  Andrew Boff said via Twitter: “Londoners will rightly be frustrated to learn that the Mayor has once again kicked the can down the road when it comes to Uber’s licence. “The livelihoods of thousands of hardworking Uber drivers will continue to hang in the balance, while all those millions of Londoners who rely on Uber to travel around our city will remain in dark about how long they will be able to use the service. “Uber have exciting plans for the London market – including investing in green vehicles and new charging points – but this move will entirely remove any incentive for the company to pursue these changes and improve their service for Londoners. “It’s time for Sadiq Khan to finally get off the fence and, for the sake of millions of Londoners, keep London moving by getting behind this enormously valued service.” 

Image credit: London Assembly