Uber has been stripped of its London operating license today for the second time in roughly two years after the city’s regulator discovered a “pattern of failures” with regards to the app’s safety and security.
What happened is that Uber’s own systems failed to prevent unauthorized drivers uploading their photos to other driver accounts, meaning they picked up passengers as if they were the booked driver. This happened in at least 14,000 trips, according to TfL (Transport for London).
Uber said it will appeal this decision, but in the meantime they can continue to take rides since this appeal process will likely include court action and could take months to conclude, as per Autonews Europe.
Also read: Uber’s Autonomous Vehicles Had 37 Crashes Before Arizona’s Fatal Accident
“TfL has identified a pattern of failures by the company including several breaches that placed passengers and their safety at risk,” stated the regulator. “Despite addressing some of these issues, TfL does not have confidence that similar issues will not reoccur in the future, which has led it to conclude that the company is not fit and proper at this time.”
Uber has previously stated that steps have been taken within its business model so as to improve overall safety. One such measure is a discrimination button that enables drivers and riders to report abuse.
“Over the last two months we have audited every driver in London,” said Uber boss in Northern and Eastern Europe, Jamie Heywood. “We have robust systems and checks in place to confirm the identity of drivers and will soon be introducing a new facial matching process, which we believe is a first in London taxi and private hire.”
