Transport for London defeats Uber challenge over language test for drivers
Uber has failed in a High Court challenge to a requirement from Transport for London that the company’s drivers take English language tests, it has been reported.
According to the BBC, the company had claimed that the standard of reading and writing required by the test was too high. It is also said to have argued that the policy gave rise to indirect indiscrimination.
Peter Blake, TfL’s Director of Service Operations, said: “The judgment today means that we can ensure that all licensed drivers have the right level of English, which is vital for customer safety.
“The court also recognised the need for passengers to be able to contact the private hire company they’re using should an emergency arise. We will reflect on today’s judgment and consider how best to deliver the further improvements we want to see to passenger safety and to standards across the industry.”
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, welcomed the ruling. He said: “I’m delighted that the courts have today backed my plans to drive up standards and improve passenger safety in London.
“Drivers being able to speak English and understand information from passengers and licensing requirements is a vital part of ensuring passengers get the high standard of service they need and deserve. This could include discussing a better route, talking about a medical condition, or ensuring every driver is fully up to date with new regulations.”
Khan added: “From my first day at City Hall I have been determined to drive up standards and improve safety for every taxi and private hire passenger travelling in London.”
Commenting on the ruling, Uber pointed out that it had won on three of the four new rules it was challenging, namely: a requirement to have a 24/7 phone line; private hire drivers having to pay for commercial insurance at all times even when the vehicle is not being used as a private hire vehicle; and an operating model requirement.
It also said it would appeal the “disappointing” ruling on written English tests.
Tom Elvidge, General Manager of Uber in London, said: “While we are glad the court agreed with us on the other measures TfL tried to impose this is a deeply disappointing outcome for tens of thousands of drivers who will lose their livelihoods because they cannot pass an essay writing test.
"We’ve always supported spoken English skills, but writing an essay has nothing to do with communicating with passengers or getting them safely from A to B. Transport for London’s own estimates show that their plans will put more than 33,000 existing private hire drivers out of business. That’s why we intend to appeal this unfair and disproportionate new rule.”
