ROGUE taxi firm Uber will be granted a new licence to operate in London after a judge ruled today that the firm was “fit and proper” to work in the capital.

The company was denied a licence by Transport for London (TfL) in November 2019, citing breaches that compromised passenger safety and issues with transparency.

But Uber appealed against TfL’s decision and Westminster magistrates’ court in London ruled today that the company had taken action to tackle “historical failings.”

Issues raised during the three-day hearing included document and insurance fraud. But chief magistrate Tan Ikram ruled that the firm was “fit and proper” to work in the capital.

He said: “Uber has presented no real challenge to the facts as presented by TfL, though has challenged the suggestion that breaches were not taken seriously and any suggestion of bad faith on their part. 

“Their approach has really been to explain why events took place as they did.”

Unite, representing nearly 1,000 London taxi drivers, said the decision is “devastating” news for cabbies and customers.

The union’s London taxi-section chairman Jim Kelly said: “This is a sad day for the travelling public in London and another blow to the taxi drivers in the capital.

“It is our view that Uber has a ruthless business model that undermines safety and long-established regulations and now they have got the green light to continue operating in London which is very disappointing.

“Our members have high standards of training and knowledge. They are trusted by the travelling public — but all that apparently counts for nothing in the pursuit of corporate profit.

“I genuinely fear for the future of taxis in London, whose history stretches back to hackney coaches in the 1630s.”

He said Unite would be discussing the issue with TfL and London Mayor Sadiq Khan on how to “mitigate this decision.”

Steve Garelick, GMB London region organiser said: “Uber has moved heaven and earth to keep its London licence. Drivers now need to see the same level of commitment put into improving their working conditions and safety.”

The Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association said the decision was a “disaster for London.” It added: “Sadly, it seems that Uber is too big to regulate effectively but too big to fail.”

Mr Khan said that TfL “will not hesitate to take swift action” should Uber fail to meet strict safety standards to protect passengers.