What's happening with Uber in London?

  • Published
UberImage source, Getty Images

Uber has been told it will not be issued with a new private hire licence in London - so obviously people are kicking off on social media.

Is it really all over for Uber in London?

Not yet. Uber has 21 days to appeal and can continue to operate until the end of the appeals process.

But the decision has the backing of London's Mayor Sadiq Khan who said all companies had to "play by the rules".

The company has been forced to quit several countries including Denmark and Hungary so there is precedent.

It's also faced regulatory battles in multiple US states and countries around the world.

The company has quickly come out fighting.

It says that "3.5 million Londoners use the app" and "more than 40,000 licensed drivers rely on Uber to make a living".

It adds that both riders and drivers will be "astounded by this decision".

Why has its licence been pulled?

It's because the ride-hailing app firm is not "fit and proper" to hold the licence, according to Transport for London (TfL).

To hold a private hire operator licence in London, TfL has to be satisfied that the operator shows that it meets "rigorous" regulations designed to protect passenger safety.

TfL has taken issue with Uber on things like its approach to reporting serious criminal offences, and how medical certificates and background checks are obtained.

They also don't like the way Uber uses a piece of software to block officials from monitoring the app.

Will Uber challenge the ruling?

Uber has 21 days to appeal, during which it can continue to operate.

Could the same happen in cities like Leeds and Manchester?

We're not sure if the same thing will happen in Leeds and Manchester but in theory, yes, it could do.

What rights do Uber drivers have?

It's a bit of a grey area. A tribunal last year ruled that they should be treated like minicab drivers with minimum wage rights and sick pay, but Uber is appealing against that decision.

If this decision stands, it will "put more than 40,000 licensed drivers out of work" according to a statement from the firm.

Will UberEATS be affected?

No it won't. Uber say the decision to strip its private hire licence doesn't affect its takeaway food delivery service.

What are people saying?

Tom Oakley tweeted that he'll be "going out on a high" with his five out five passenger rating.

Chris Adams thinks he's got a solution.

Find us on Instagram at BBCNewsbeat and follow us on Snapchat, search for bbc_newsbeat