United Trade Action Group refused permission for JR in Uber Appeal.

We have previously reported on Uber’s Appeal against Transport for London’s (TfL’s) decision to deny the renewal of their Private Hire Operator’s licence.

At a recent hearing held remotely via video link, Mr Justice Robin Knowles refused the United Trade Action Group (UTAG) permission to advance their claim for judicial review in respect of TfL’s decision to allow Uber to continue to operate while their Appeal was ongoing.

UTAG argued in pleadings:

1. the Private Hire Vehicles (London) Act 1998 rendered it unlawful for Uber to continue operating pending appeal once its existing licence expired; and
2. in any event, TfL’s decision not to take steps to prevent Uber from continuing to operate was irrational.

Refusing permission the Judge held that:

1. the statutory framework did not bear the construction that UTAG argued for. The refusal to renew Uber’s licence did not prevent it continuing to operate pending the determination of its appeal; and
2. TfL’s decision not to prevent Uber from continuing to operate was not arguably irrational.

The final Appeal, to which UTAG is a party, is scheduled to take place in July.