Uber users go into meltdown over decision to strip firm of its London licence over safety fears

UBER users have gone into meltdown over Transport for London's decision to strip the firm of its London licence.

TfL concluded that the minicab app is "not fit and proper" to operate in the capital due to concerns which have "public safety and security implications".

These include its approach to reporting serious criminal offences and how it carries out background checks on its drivers.

Uber, whose app is used by 3.5 million passengers and 40,000 drivers in London, will see its current license expire on September 30.

Social media users were quick to react to the decision and posted memes showing actors crying in various movie scenes.

One user shared an image of Leonardo DiCaprio sobbing in Romeo and Juliet and said: "Me rn [right now] seeing that #Uber have lost their licence within London and I'll have to get the bus everywhere again."

Others joked about the delight of other taxi firms, including London cabbies, after hearing the news.

One shared a pictured of smiling Kim Jong Un hugging one of his officers and wrote: "Black cab drivers right now."

Another shared an image from the closing scenes of The Apprentice, when the fired candidate gets in a Hackney cab, and stated: "Uber on September 30".

Uber has 21 days to lodge an appeal and can continue to operate until the appeals process is exhausted.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said he supported the decision by TfL, saying any operator of taxi services in the city "needs to play by the rules."

"Providing an innovative service must not be at the expense of customer safety and security," he said.

"I fully support TFL's decision it would be wrong if TFL continued to license Uber if there is any way that this could pose a threat to Londoners' safety and security."

Uber shot back quickly in response. In a statement, it said the decision would "show the world that, far from being open, London is closed to innovative companies."

Uber has faced obstacles in a number of cities around the world.

It was banned in New Delhi, India, after a driver was accused of raping a female passenger, but the decision was later overturned.

The company pulled out of Austin, Texas, when it was told its drivers would have to undergo fingerprint background checks, but resumed services after the requirement was ended.

A union representing Uber drivers in London said its members face going bust as they rely on money from fares to pay for their cars.

James Farrar, chairman of the Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain's United Private Hire Drivers branch, said: "This is a devastating blow for 30,000 Londoners who now face losing their job and being saddled with unmanageable vehicle-related debt."

There had been growing speculation the app could be banned from London.

Opponents of the firm claim it causes gridlocked roads and does not do enough to regulate its drivers.

Uber enables users to book cars using their smartphones and is available in cities across the UK.

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