Uber wins right to challenge TfL’s English language requirement

Uber has won the right to challenge a Transport for London (TfL) rule which would require some of its drivers to pass an English language test. Announced by TfL last year and due to take effect from 1 October, the rule would mean that drivers who are not from English-speaking countries would have to take an English reading, writing and listening test, which TfL said was ‘in the interests of public safety’. Uber had previously supported the test, but now argues it is too rigorous and costly.
September 2, 2016 Read time: 2 mins
RSS8336 Uber has won the right to challenge a 1466 Transport for London (TfL) rule which would require some of its drivers to pass an English language test.

Announced by TfL last year and due to take effect from 1 October, the rule would mean that drivers who are not from English-speaking countries would have to take an English reading, writing and listening test, which TfL said was ‘in the interests of public safety’. Uber had previously supported the test, but now argues it is too rigorous and costly.

Following a judicial review, Uber has won the right to challenge the ruling if exemptions can be put in place, although there are other outstanding issues Uber wishes to challenge, such as TfL’s requirement for an Uber call centre in London.

Tom Elvidge, general manager of Uber London, said: "We're pleased 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."

Uber puts electric cars on the road in London

Ride-hailing company Uber is teaming up with 838 Nissan and 5445 BYD to offer drivers the chance to rent a fully electric Nissan LEAF or BYD E6 as part of a three month study in London.

Uber has partnered with The Energy Saving Trust, a UK organisation that promotes the sustainable use of energy, in the pilot which will look at how Uber and private hire companies can begin making the switch to electric vehicles.

By October, Uber plans to have more than 50 fully electric cars on London’s roads. It also plans to bring electric vehicles to its app in at least one other UK city.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Report urges US$25 billion transport improvement plan
    August 6, 2014
    The One North report, produced by the city regions of Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle and Sheffield in the UK, puts forward a strategic proposition for transport in the north of the country. The US$16.8-US$25.2 billion plan urges major changes in connectivity and capacity between the northern cities over the next 15 years and proposes optimisation of strategic highway capacity, a new high speed trans-Pennine rail route and improved city region rail networks interconnected with HS2 services, new inte
    Read More
  • Registration for new Highways UK conference now open
    October 27, 2015
    Taking place on 25- 26 November at ExCeL London, Highways UK is a major new event bringing together those responsible for planning, developing, managing and maintaining the UK's road network. The free to attend exhibition includes many organisations in the sector including Highways England, Mott MacDonald, BAM Nuttall, Colas, Thales, Clearview Traffic Group, Kier Services, Costain, Tarmac and Atkins. Keynote speakers include Mike Brown, who was recently confirmed as TfL’s Transport Commissioner, Andrew Jone
    Read More
  • California’s green transport solution – the electric cargo bicycle
    August 29, 2013
    An electric cargo bike, the 2x4 (two by four), developed by California-based NTS Works, can carry large objects into tight urban centres and other locations where deliveries by full-size vehicles can be difficult and costly, according to the company. The lightweight, compact 2x4 is only slightly larger than a conventional cycle and has a flat cargo bed in front that can hold up to eight grocery bags. An electric motor assists the rider when pedalling and is adjustable via a handlebar mounted display so
    Read More
  • Lyft, Uber have mixed impact on San Fran mobility
    May 14, 2018
    The extent to which ride-hailing has become a real force in the mobility landscape of San Francisco is great for consumers – but there are downsides, a report finds. Andrew Stone takes a look. Uber and Lyft, the two major ride-hailing platforms in San Francisco, are out-competing local cab firms in many ways - and are firmly established as a significant part of the daily mobility mix there, a recent study reveals. Researchers mined publicly-available data derived from the application programming interface
    Read More

Highlighted Content