London: A group of more than 10,000 black taxi drivers is suing Uber for breaching London’s taxi booking rules, a move that will cost the ride-hailing giant £250 million (US$313 million). PA media reported that the damage could be even higher.

A class action lawsuit has been filed in the High Court over Uber’s operations in the capital between May 2012 and March 2018.

Taxi drivers claim Uber misled Transport for London (TfL) about how its ride booking system operated, and as a result breached vacation rental licensing rules.

They claim the company allowed drivers to accept bookings directly from customers, rather than going through a central system like Minicab Services.

The legal claim says the booking system is “unlawful” because it does not comply with private employment rules, and that Uber deliberately misled TfL about how the system worked in order to obtain a licence. There is.

Taxi drivers say they have suffered losses during this period as a result of fewer customers and longer working hours to compete with popular apps.

RGL Management has launched a class action lawsuit known as BULiT21 on behalf of London taxi drivers, led by lawyers from law firm Mishcon de Reya.

It expects the total bill to be more than £250 million, with each taxi driver potentially facing a bill of up to £25,000.

“These old claims are completely unfounded,” an Uber spokesperson said.

“Uber operates legally in London, is fully licensed by TfL and is proud to serve millions of passengers and drivers across the capital.”

It is understood that there has been no communication between Uber and RGL Management since the allegations were first raised in 2019.

RGL Management said it believes up to 30,000 taxi drivers operating in London may be eligible to join the group and bring legal action against Uber.

It is hoped that more drivers will join the effort in the coming weeks.

Michael Green, director of RGL Management, said: “RGL is pleased to be filing this claim form today on behalf of over 10,500 taxi drivers in London, which will hold Uber accountable for its failure to comply with relevant UK law. This is a major legal milestone in the Capital.

“There are thousands of taxi drivers who are eligible to participate but have not yet taken part. The deadline is fast approaching.

“RGL therefore urges drivers to register in the BULiT21 legal action as soon as possible to join thousands of fellow taxi drivers in pursuing the losses they have suffered at the hands of Uber.”

Garry White, a black taxi driver for 36 years, said the claim was seeking “justice and fair compensation” on behalf of the London driver.

“Uber seems to believe it is above the law and taxi drivers across London are suffering a loss of income because of it,” he said.

Uber has previously faced problems over permission to operate private rental cars in London.

A license was refused by TfL in 2019 over concerns that passenger safety would be compromised and there were transparency issues.

However, it was allowed to continue operating and was granted a two-and-a-half year license in London in 2022. – Bernama-PA Media/dpa