Uber wins stay of execution as judge gives car-sharing service a new 15-month licence for London

Uber has won a partial victory at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in getting its London operating licence renewed.

On Tuesday, a judge granted a new 15-month permit which will allow the car service to continue to operate in the city.

Bosses at the taxi hailing app admitted to a judge Transport for London (TfL) was right to have safety concerns which led to a refusal to renew the company’s licence in September.  

But Uber said the operating licence should be now renewed as it has made ‘wholesale’ reforms.

Uber’s appeal hearing began at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday after TfL made the move over concerns for public safety and security.

Despite good news for the company, Uber will have to pay TFL’s legal costs of £425,000.

TfL’s concerns came after it was revealed 2,500 Uber drivers had been investigated for suspected offences including sex assaults, stalking and dangerous driving.

More to follow…