Member Article

Uber and TfL's English test tussle is heading to the courts

US rideshare giant Uber has won the right to take Transport for London (TfL) to court over proposed rules that could see drivers being forced to pass an English test.

The tech firm had argued that the move would put driver’s livelihoods at risk once introduced on 1 October, taking particular umbrage with the requirement for a writing test which Uber argued would unfairly penalise non-native speakers.

It has also taken issue with a requirement that stipulates that all private hire companies must have a customer call centre in London which customers can ring during a ride, currently Uber’s customer service is entirely online-based.

However, TfL claims that the new test will significantly improve standards in the private-sharing industry and will ‘enhance public safety’.

Now, in developments that could have repercussions right across the ride hailing industry, Uber has won the right to a judicial review of some of TfL’s regulations that could potentially see them scrapped all together.

Commenting on the news, Uber’s General Manager in London, Tom Elvidge, said: “We’re pleased that the judge has decided this case deserves a hearing.

“TfL’s plans threaten the livelihoods of thousands of drivers in London, while also stifling tech companies like Uber.”

The capital has become a particularly heated battle ground for the US startup’s operations as protests from black cab drivers, along with another grapple with drivers over worker’s rights currently making its way through the courts, echoing struggles in markets such as China and Europe.

In a statement, TFL responded: “We note that the court has refused permission for judicial review of the principle and standard of English language test, the requirement for hire and reward insurance and the ability for customers to speak to someone by telephone.

“The changes to private-hire regulation were made to enhance public safety and we are determined to create a vibrant taxi and private hire market, with space for all providers to flourish.

“We look forward to the remaining issues being resolved in due course.”