Taxi association given the go ahead to become ‘interested party’ in Uber’s London licence appeal

A taxi driver association has been given the green light to take part in Uber’s appeal case against the decision to strip the firm of its operating licence, a judge has today ruled.

Today, the London Taxi Drivers’ Association (LTDA) who represent roughly 10,000 of the capital’s 20,000 black cab drivers, had their application to be an ‘interested party’ in the up and coming court appeal accepted by the Westminster Magistrates' Court. This means the taxi organisation will be given access to documents and could make submissions that relate to Uber’s appeal.

Another taxi group, the United Trade Action Group (UTAG), was however rejected the opportunity to become an interested party by the Chief Magistrate of England and Wales Emma Arbuthnot.

The trial will see private hire firm Uber look to overturn Transport for London’s (TfL) decision to not offer them a new operator's licence back in November 2019. The trial will be heard in full on 6 July and is expected to last four days.

A spokesperson from the LTDA said via social media: “Uber licensing appeal 2nd initial hearing this morning. Judge has agreed LTDA will be an interested party."

The LTDA then added in a further tweet: “Great deal of confusion on this mornings appeal hearing.

“There is no limit on who can be an interested party. Our QC advised an approach and strategy, which was successful.

“We will not find out the details as to why we were successful and UTAG were not until next week”

Charles Holland, a licensing, chancery/commercial and property barrister, said on social media: “Chief Magistrate allows application by my client the LTDA to participate in Uber’s appeal against TfL’s refusal to renew its London PHV operator’s licence. Appeal will start on 6 July 2020.”

Image credit: TaxiPoint