‘Save Uber’ petition launched as app lashes out at TfL proposals

The reported proposals form part of a broader public consultation process.

And the proposed rules threaten drivers’ livelihoods by forcing them to drive for just one operator. The proposals include an English language test, a meachnism to book a ride seven days in advance, making operators confirm details to the passenger five minutes before the ride start, and banning drivers from working for more than one operator. It says the process will help to inform and improve the regulations that govern the capital’s private hire companies.

“They’re created to address the concerns of black cab drivers, who feel under pressure from increased competition”.

Black cab drivers and rival minicab firms yesterday claimed triumph in their battle to get TfL to curb Uber with the proposed new laws.

But Garrett Emmerson, chief operating officer for surface transport at TfL, said: “In recent years the private hire industry has grown exponentially and technology has also developed rapidly”. But with more than 15,000 drivers operating in London, the capital constitutes the majority of its operations in the UK.

As it stands now, none of the new rules are imminent and Uber won’t be the only company that’s hurt if they do come into action – BlaBlaCar United Kingdom and Hailo will also be affected, so it will be interesting to see what action (if any) they take as well.

“We and others have been saying for a few time that new app-based entrants have been playing fast and loose with the law and public safety”, said Mike Galvin, Head of Regulatory Affairs for taxi firm Addison Lee.

“If adopted, [the new rules] will mean an end to the Uber you know and love today…”

After careful consideration of the responses to our initial consultation, we are bringing forward a package of proposals for further consultation that we consider will strengthen the regulation of private hire services in London.

London cabbies have been waging a long war against Uber, reflecting other such campaigns to shut them down across Europe. The company has asked customers to sign a petition challenging the new rules.

More than 60,000 Londoners have backed a petition against proposed “bureaucratic new rules” governing Uber-style minicab-hailing apps.

The proposed rules, seen by The Telegraph, encompass the introduction of a minimum five-minute waiting time between ordering a vehicle and it arriving, and limits on ride-sharing – both of which seem to be direct confrontations against Uber and its UberPool service. The petition received 38,965 signatures within a few hours.

The Licensed Taxi Drivers Association, meanwhile, has made pleas on Twitter for users to share their Uber horror stories using the hashtag #saveuber.