Earlier this month we reported that Transport for London (TfL) had been forced to defend its decision to make private hire drivers sit an English exam following backlash from Uber’s GM, Tom Elvidge. We can now reveal that the taxi-hailing app has launched a legal bid to block TfL’s plans.
The Proposed Change
From 1st October anyone applying for a new private hire license – plus existing drivers looking to renew – will need to pass an English language test if they are from a country where English is not the majority language.
“These measures have been introduced to enhance public safety when using private hire services.”
Initial proposals from TfL – which Uber says they had no issue with – had called for competence in spoken English only. But the final draft includes a requirement to pass a two-hour written exam as well. It’s this update which Uber objects to, claiming it will “threaten the livelihood of thousands of drivers”.
On the contrary, explaining the reasons behind their decision, a TfL spokesman said: “These measures have been introduced to enhance public safety when using private hire services and we are determined to create a vibrant taxi and private hire market with space for all providers to flourish.”
Legal Action
Uber has now submitted an application for a judicial review in the high court in London to block the plans. The company’s general manager in London, Tom Elvidge, commented: “This legal action is very much a last resort…We’re particularly disappointed that, after a lengthy consultation process with Transport for London, the goalposts have moved at the last minute and new rules are now being introduced that will be bad for both drivers and tech companies like Uber.”
TfL said it would defend its proposals in court.
We’ll keep you updated as the story progresses.