Half a million sign 'save Uber' petition after decision not to renew company's London licence

A record number of people have signed a "save Uber" petition after Transport for London stripped the firm of its licence in the capital.

"Save Your Uber in London" was set up on the Change.org website after TfL announced the firm would not have its licence renewed after September 30.

TfL said the minicab app was "not fit and proper" to operate in the capital and that it took the decision on the grounds of "public safety and security implications"

Within 24 hours, the subsequent petition had gained more than 500,000 signatures.

Change.org said that it represented the fastest growing petition in the UK this year.

Uber, which is used by 3.5 million people and 40,000 drivers in the capital, said it would appeal and claimed the move "would show the world that, far from being open, London is closed to innovative companies".

Uber again criticised TfL's decision, accusing it of wanting to "reduce consumer choice".

The firm's UK head of cities, Fred Jones, said: "I think people realise that this decision by the Mayor and Transport for London is actually because they have caved to pressure from a small number of individuals and groups that want to protect the status quo and reduce consumer choice and competition from London.

"We are a very large operator in London, we've been operating in London for five and half years and are regulated by TfL.

"Obviously during that period TfL have regularly audited us. They've carried out the largest audit in their history and we passed with flying colours.

"The last time they audited us to check we were playing by the rules, they found that there were zero errors in our processes."

Uber insists that the firm plays by the rules. Credit: PA

Uber enables users to book cars using their smartphones, and is available in cities across the UK.

Some opponents of the firm claim it causes gridlocked roads and does not do enough to regulate its drivers.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said TfL's decision had been made to protect customer safety, adding that all companies must "play by the rules".

"I fully support TfL's decision - it would be wrong if TfL continued to license Uber if there is any way that this could pose a threat to Londoners' safety and security," Mr Khan said.

The company can continue to operate beyond the expiry date during any ongoing appeal process.