LONDON (Reuters) - Uber Technologies Inc won a probationary licence to operate in London on Tuesday in a partial victory for its new chief executive after it made changes to ease strained relations with city authorities.
The new licence was subject to strict conditions, however, and came with a warning to prove it had changed to retain its right to operate in London, the heart of its biggest European market.
Uber overhauled its policies and personnel in Britain after Transport for London (TfL) refused to renew its licence in September for failings in its approach to reporting serious criminal offences and background checks on drivers.
The ruling has been a test of Uber’s new senior management, with Chief Executive Dara Khosrowshahi, who took charge the month before TfL’s decision, pledging to “make things right” in London.
Judge Emma Arbuthnot said that changes made by its London subsidiary in light of the ruling were sufficient for Uber to be considered “fit and proper” to operate as she granted a 15-month “probationary” licence.
The licence is much shorter than the five-year licence it was denied in September, and London Mayor Sadiq Khan was clear that the court ruling was no carte blanche for Uber in London.
“I believe everyone must play by the same rules, no matter how big or powerful they are,” he said in a statement.
“Uber has been put on probation – their 15 month licence has a clear set of conditions that TfL will thoroughly monitor and enforce.”
TfL said it was considering the court’s decision and that the conditions would let it take action if Uber failed to meet standards.
The licence conditions for Uber London Limited (ULL) include implementing a new governance structure, giving TfL notice of
