UK competition chief backs Uber over TfL proposals

The head of the UK's Competition and Markets Authority has slammed Transport for London’s proposed crackdown on Uber.

TfL outlined 25 new proposals for Uber in September, including a five-minute minimum waiting time before a pick-up, a ban on apps showing the location of cars available nearby and a knowledge test similar to the one taken by drivers of London's iconic black cabs.

TfL also wants Uber to offer a facility whereby passengers can pre-book up to seven days in advance and suggested drivers only be allowed to work for one operator at a time.

Writing in the Financial Times, Alex Chisholm said the competition watchdog was concerned that TfL’s plans would restrict competition and curb “developments that stand to benefit the paying passenger”.

“New taxi business models have the potential to increase choice and deliver what passengers want: shorter waiting times, lower prices and increased responsiveness,” he said.

He added that the proposed rules would undo much of what is novel about businesses such as Uber.

The proposals from TfL followed criticism from black cab drivers. They argued the regulator was not imposing strict enough licensing conditions on Uber drivers, who have been increasingly encroaching on their turf.

Uber has launched a petition against the proposals, which has attracted thousands of signatures from London commuters.

It announced recently that it is planning to launch UberPool, a service that would allow passengers to share journeys. The ride-sharing service already runs in other cities including Paris, Los Angeles and Boston.

A ban on ride-sharing was one of the proposals outlined by TfL.