London (Parliament News) – Over 10,500 London black-cab drivers are suing Uber for £250m, alleging violation of taxi booking rules and misleading authorities to obtain a license. Uber denies the claims.
Approximately 10,500 of London’s black-cab drivers have undertaken a £250m legal case against Uber, blaming it for breaking the capital’s taxi booking regulations and deliberately misleading management to secure a licence.
What Are the Allegations Against Uber by Black-Cab Drivers?
The issue, which has been filed in the high court in London by the litigation management company RGL, resurrects a claim first introduced five years ago, related to the course the ride-hailing app functioned in London between 2012 and 2018. Cabbies allege that Uber authorised drivers to take bookings directly from clients rather than through a centralised method such as those operated by minicab services, in a direct breach of private hire rules.
They allege Uber was conscious of the rules and deliberately deceived Transport for London (TfL) about its booking model to obtain an operational licence and take business from black-cab drivers. Uber has rejected the allegations and says the claim is baseless.
What Are the Potential Damages Sought by the Drivers?
The drivers, who are being urged by the law firm Mishcon de Reya, contend in their suit that they encountered unfair competition, and lost out on customers and income, as a result.
Garry White, a black-cab driver of 36 years, stated: “This claim seeks justice and fair settlement on behalf of cab drivers across London. Uber seems to think it is above the law and cabbies across London have suffered loss of earnings because of it. It is time they were held to account.”
Dale Forwood, a black-cab driver of 12 years, stated he hoped the London case would bring justice for regional cabbies. “I am delighted to see this claim being filed today and that we will finally have our day in court,” he said. “Having witnessed for myself the harm that Uber’s unlawful behaviour has caused to hard-working cabbies, I look forward to justice being served.”
RGL stated that if the cabbies were successful in their lawsuit they could secure more than £250m, with individuals potentially succeeding £25,000 or more.
How Does Uber Respond to the Allegations?
An Uber spokesperson stated: “These old claims are completely unfounded. Uber operates lawfully in London, is fully licensed by TfL, and is proud to serve millions of passengers and drivers across the capital.” It observes the latest bout of legal problems for Uber.
What Legal Challenges Has Uber Faced Previously?
In March, the San Francisco-based company reached a A$272m settlement (£142m) to compensate taxi and hire-car drivers who conveyed that they lost out when the company “aggressively” pushed into the Australian market.
That class action, which was undertaken five years ago, was filed on behalf of 8,000 taxi and hire-car landlords and drivers, who argued that Uber X was established in Australia with the intention of hurting their business. The suit also alleged that the business used unlicensed cars with unaccredited drivers in a “conspiracy by unlawful means” and deceived regulators.