Uber files appeal at deadline to keep driving in London

Oct. 13 (UPI) -- Ride-share company Uber on Friday formally filed an appeal to keep operating in London, where its license has been rescinded for weeks.

The company faced a deadline Friday -- lodge the appeal or stop its drivers from working in one of the largest cities in the world. It filed documents at the Westminster Magistrate's Court. The appeal allows Uber to continue operating in London until the dispute is resolved.

A hearing on the appeal will likely take place on Dec.11, officials said.

"While we have today filed our appeal so that Londoners can continue using our app, we hope to continue having constructive discussions with Transport for London," a spokesman for Uber said. "As our new CEO has said, we are determined to make things right."

Last month, Transport for London revoked Uber's business license on the grounds of "public safety and security implications" -- voicing concern for the company's approach to reporting serious criminal offenses, how drivers' medical certificates are obtained, and how criminal record checks are carried out.

Uber's CEO, Dara Khosrowshahi, who took on the top job this summer, apologized to London citizens for the ordeal.

"You have my commitment that we will work with London to make things right and keep this great global city moving safely," he said.

Khosrowshahi met with London transportation chief Mike Brown last week to discuss the company's future in the city. Although the talks were described as "constructive" on both sides, TfL said it continues to have issues that must be addressed if the company is to reacquire its license.

It's been estimated that Uber has 3.5 million users and nearly 40,000 drivers in London, who could lose their jobs if the license isn't renewed.