Uber books Hogan Lovells for London license appeal

The ride-sharing service is arming for a fight as it protests its latest legal challenge

Uber books Hogan Lovells for London license appeal
Uber has hired Hogan Lovells as it faces another legal challenge in London.

Transport for London (TfL) announced last week that Uber will not be issued a private-hire operator license after the expiry of its current licence on 30 September. TfL said that “Uber London Limited is not fit and proper to hold a private hire operator licence” and that the company’s “approach and conduct demonstrate a lack of corporate responsibility” on a number of issues that have potential public safety and security implications.

Uber can appeal the decision within 21 days after the expiry of its license. It can operate in London while it is appealing the decision.

The watchdog takes issue with Uber’s approach to how it reports serious criminal offences, how it obtains medical certificates, how it complies with the UK’s Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks, and how it explains the use of “Greyball” –software that could be used to block full access of regulators to the Uber app – in London.

Advising Uber is regulatory partner Charles Brasted, who heads the firm’s public law and policy group. Hogan Lovells has instructed Tom de la Mare QC of Blackstone Chambers.

The firm acted for Uber in August last year, when TfL proposed new rules that included English-proficiency and insurance-coverage requirements for Uber drivers. For that matter, Hogan Lovells fielded former EU public law and policy head Paul Dacam, who has since retired. It briefed de la Mare and Hanif Mussa of Blackstone Chambers. 


Related stories:
Firm trims US support staff ranks
HSF acts as ‘unicorn’ grabs largest tech financing in Southeast Asia

Recent articles & video

AI oversight by humans could become impractical, UK judge warns

New Jersey Supreme Court allows disbarred lawyers to seek reinstatement after five years

UK's Legal Services Board expresses concerns over bullying and harassment in legal profession

LawCPD launches free tool aiming to make CPD tracking easy for lawyers

HFW welcomes Sean Marriott as a disputes partner in Perth

Creevey Horrell adds lawyer and corporate executive Ben van de Beld

Most Read Articles

Rio Tinto, helped by Allens and Linklaters, acquires Arcadium Lithium for US$6.7bn

Consultation opens on review of AI and Australian Consumer Law

Proposed merger reform will make clearance process more challenging, Allens partner says

Colin Biggers & Paisley adds partner Patrick Boardman and four others to insurance group