London businesses divided over TfL's ruling not to renew Uber licence

London Chamber of Commerce and Industry has conducted a survey of more than 500 businesses that found 46% support Transport for London’s decision to reject Uber’s application for a new license, while 38% disagree.

Back in September, TfL decided not to issue Uber with private hire operator licence after declaring that the taxi tech company was “not fit and proper.”

The newly released survey revealed that three in five (61%) of the respondents say that new technology and providers in the taxi and private hire industry have benefited businesses and consumers while one in five (18%) disagree with this.

The survey also found that two in five (42%) prefer Uber and other private hire vehicles over taxis for business purposes, while a similar proportion (41%) say they do not.

Colin Stanbridge, chief executive of London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “We hear from our businesses that they welcome innovation and new ways of working. We certainly support competition and the improvements it can often bring to industries.

“However, all businesses, in all sectors, always need to remember that they have to operate to high standards and deliver excellent customer service”.

The findings follow a previous survey by LCCI London ,which fond that businesses in the capital are overwhelmingly in support of all London taxi drivers being required to take an English test.

Both surveys come as competition in the taxi and private hire industry continues within London as the number of private hire vehicles on London’s roads has increased by over 75% over the previous five years.