Uber has been defeated in the High Court in a legal bid to
prevent their drivers being required to take an English language test in order
to work in London.
Driverless cars are already here
The multi-billion dollar tech giant, which does not own any
taxis despite controlling millions of journeys, took its case to court after
Transport for London (TfL) said that drivers should have to sit a test in order
to demonstrate their ability to communicate in English.
Uber’s lawyers argued that the TFL standard of reading and
writing required by the test was excessive claiming it was "unfair and
disproportionate" and will appeal against the court's decision.
Rejecting Uber's claim, Judge John Mitting said:
"TfL are entitled to require private hire drivers to
demonstrate English language compliance".
However, Tom de la Mare QC, for Uber and the drivers, told
the judge that the language requirement would result in 70,000 applicants,
including mini cab drivers, failing to obtain a licence over three years.
He added that the proposals would have a disproportionate
impact on drivers from countries where English was not generally spoken and
give rise to "indirect discrimination on grounds of race and
nationality".
TfL maintain that the requirements were vital to ensure
passenger safety and to raise standards.
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, defended Tfl:
"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”.
Drivers should be more concerned about Uber's bigger plans to eventually dispense with the need for drivers altogether. The company is already tested self-driving cars with Volvo driverless cars on in a Pittsburgh based trial.
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