London cabbies launch £250m legal action against Uber

Uber Technologies is facing legal action on behalf of more than 10,500 London black cab drivers, it was confirmed on Thursday.

A group action was filed in the High Court by law firm Mishcon de Reya on behalf of the drivers, for losses they sustained between May 2012 and March 2018.

The claim alleges that the ride-hailing app misled Transport for London about how its operating system works, and as a result took business away from black cab drivers unlawfully.

Litigation manager RGL Management, which is acting as agent for the claimants, said each drivers claim was likely to be worth up to £25,000 each. Uber has denied all allegations against it.

In a statement, the US firm said: "These old claims are completely unfounded. Uber operates lawfully in London, is fully licensed by Transport for London and is proud to serve millions of passengers and drivers across the capital."

The black cab drivers first attempted to bring a claim against Uber in 2018, but the case was halted because of the pandemic.

Richard Leedham, partner and head of commercial disputes at Mishcon de Reya, said: "Uber has consistently failed to comply with the law that applies to private hire vehicles in London."

Garry White, one of the drivers involved in the action, said: "Uber seems to believe it is above the law and cabbies across London have suffered loss of earnings because of it. It is time they were held to account."