Uber has essentially been banned from the streets of London after Transport for London (TfL) chose not to issue a new private hire license to the ride-hailing app.

A statement from TfL said that Uber London Limited was not fit and proper to hold a private hire operator licence, citing the firm’s “lack of corporate responsibility” regarding public safety and security implications.

This concern has stemmed from Uber London’s approach to reporting serious criminal offences, with allegations that the firm does not report alleged rapes by its drivers, as well as how medical certificates and Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks are obtained.

The firm has also been heavily criticised for its use of the Greyball software, which could be used to block regulatory bodies from gaining full access to the app and prevent officials from undertaking regulatory or law enforcement duties.

Uber was quick to confirm it will immediately challenge TfL’s decision in the courts, but as it stands, the firm is only licenced to operate in London until the end of September.

Uber said in a statement “Transport for London and the mayor have caved in to a small number of people who want to restrict consumer choice.”

It added that the decision showed the world that "far from being open, London is closed to innovative companies".

TfL’s decision has gone down well with black cab drivers, who have battled Uber since its arrival in the capital in 2012.

“The mayor has made the right call not to re-license Uber,” said Steve McNamara, general secretary of the Licensed Taxi Drivers' Association.

“This immoral company has no place on London's streets.”

Uber operates in 600 cities worldwide, and in London alone, it has 40,000 drivers and serves 3.5 million users a week.

Ben Robb, brand manager at The Fuelcard People, commented: “London’s cabbies are understandably delighted at this news and they’ll be even happier with the reduced fuel costs unlocked by fuel cards."

Image: NicolasMcComber/iStock