Uber is embroiled in yet another legal battle, this time facing a multi-million pound lawsuit brought by nearly 11,000 black cab drivers in London. The drivers allege that Uber intentionally misled Transport for London (TfL) about the functionality of its app to secure a license to operate in the city.
RGL Management, the litigation firm handling the case, asserts the claim could exceed £250 million, potentially resulting in £25,000 payouts for each cabbie. Uber firmly denies the allegations, stating that they operate legally in London, fully licensed by TfL, and proudly serve their vast customer base.
The lawsuit centres on Uber's London operations between May 2012 and March 2018. Drivers claim Uber deliberately sought to seize business from the established taxi service in violation of regulations. "Uber seems to believe it is above the law," said Garry White, a 36-year veteran cabbie "and London cabbies have suffered financially because of it. It is time they were held to account.”
The law firm Mishcon de Reya is representing the drivers in the High Court case. "Uber has a history of flouting private hire vehicle laws in London," claims Richard Leedham, partner at the firm.
This isn't Uber's first legal rodeo in London or globally. Over the years, Uber has faced licensing challenges, demonstrations from black cab drivers, and other lawsuits in cities around the world.
