London

Taxi group delivers 23-page legal submission detailing why Uber’s licence shouldn’t be renewed in London next month

A taxi driver action group have delivered a Legal Submission to London’s transport regulators detailing the reasons why Uber’s operator’s licence should not be renewed.

On Tuesday, the United Trade Action Group (UTAG) sent the capital’s regulators, Transport for London (TfL), a 23 page Legal Submission prepared by their QC and Barrister.

Over the 119 sections of the submission UTAG say they set out the clear reasons why TfL must not renew Uber’s licence next month.

A further letter to TfL was said to have been sent yesterday, stating UTAG’s intention to Judicially Review any decision to renew.

This action comes as TfL refused to grant Uber London Limited’s (ULL) application to renew its five-year London Private Hire Vehicle Operator’s Licence back in September 2017.

A letter sent by Helen Chapman, TfL’s Head of Licensing, outlined TfL’s reasons for taking this decision, which concluded “Transport for London (TfL) is not satisfied that ULL is a fit and proper person to hold a licence.”

In June 2018, Westminster Magistrates Court overturned TfL’s decision and granted ULL a 15-month probationary licence. The firm argued that it had put a series of measures in place to improve its operation since TfL’s decision was made.

However, concerns have been raised in that period by industry officials and politicians.

Earlier this month it was revealed that Westminster Magistrates Court fined Uber for contravening the terms of its licence. The courts fined the minicab firm £28,800 for allowing drivers to pick up passengers in London without the required hire and reward insurance.

Wes Streeting MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Taxis and Labour MP for Ilford North, said: “This is just the latest example of Uber flouting the rules of the road that everyone else is expected to abide by.

“Once again Uber’s status as a “fit and proper operator” is called into serious question. The Mayor and TfL must act.”

UTAG, made up of drivers and stakeholders from across the industry, have since announced their decision to take action.

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 GLASGOW

Sajid Javed, 36, suffered stab and slash wounds to the head, back and arm when he was assaulted yards from his home in Govan, Glasgow, on Sunday.

Now recovering at home, the dad-of-three told how he has been left too afraid to return to his job following the incident.

Two men have been charged with assaulting Sajid to his severe injury and permanent disfigurement.

Sajid told how he thought he was going to die as he suffered multiple blows – one which left his ear cut in two.

He said: “There was so much blood all over my shirt and trousers. I was really scared but God gave me a new life.”

Sajid’s wife Shazia Shehzadi, 36, said: “I was shouting and crying for help as we waited for the ambulance and police.

“There was so much blood and we didn’t know where it was coming from so we were just putting pressure on the wounds.

“It was coming from everywhere.”

Sajid was taken to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital to have emergency treatment and was allowed home on Monday on full bed rest.

Medics said it would be several weeks before he is able to work again but he fears he will never be ready to return to his job. Shazia said: “We have three daughters.

"They’re not sleeping and they are too scared to even have the windows open at night.

“Everyone is scared here.”

Police said two men aged 21 and 20 have been arrested and charged in connection with the alleged attack.

The Crown Office confirmed that two men appeared in private at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday. They made no plea and were remanded in custody pending another court date.

www.dailyrecord.co.uk