The tug-of-between Uber and TfL is set to reach the High Court, with Uber launching a legal challenge against new rules requiring its drivers in London to pass an English test.
The much debated English test will see private hire drivers having to pass English exams testing reading, writing and listening skills. The High Court challenege also extends to other rules being introduced by TfL which will require firms like Uber to inform TfL of any changes to its app.
Business leaders were quick to show support for Uber on this last point, with individuals such as Julian David, techUK CEO, calling the new rules ‘a backwards step’ which would ‘risk slowing down future innovations’ in an open letter to the FT.
Tom Elvidge, general manager of Uber London, called the legal challenge ‘a last resort’, stressing its necessity by saying: "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 confirmed that it had received a letter warning of a legal challenge from Uber, saying: “"We responded to Uber's letter and will be robustly defending the legal proceedings brought by them in relation to the changes to private-hire regulations."
