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#boycottblackcabs protest begin against black cabs in the city
Uber has lost its operation licence in London after Transport for London (TfL) chiefs ruled that the ride-hailing firm was “not fit and proper” to operate on London’s roads amid allegations of security and safety failings.
Social media users are currently using the hashtag #boycottblackcabs after the sensational decision of the Transport chiefs not to renew Uber’s licence when it expires next Saturday.
London Mayor, Sadiq Khan, in support of the TfL ruling, said companies “must play by the rules”.
Black cab drivers have lobbied TfL hard in recent months for it to take this decision.
Today Steve McNamara, general secretary of the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association said: “The Mayor has made the right call not to relicense Uber.”
Uber immediately said it would be challenging the decision in the courts, and claimed the move would “deprive Londoners of a convenient and affordable form of transport”.
Some of the tweets in protest of the Uber ban include one by Anthony Jones which read: “No Uber Licence renewal for London? Sorry @TfL – I refuse to get your sh***y black cabs and pay 3x the price. #boycottblackcabs”
Another user, Edward Marno accused TfL of “pandering to the black cab lobby”, adding: “Shame on you all #boycottblackcabs.”
However, the hugely controversial decision was welcomed by some.
Labour MP Wes Streeting, chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Taxis, backed the move by his Labour colleague Mr Khan.
He said: “This is a courageous decision by the Mayor and Transport for London, finally drawing a line in the sand to make it clear that no company, however big and powerful, will be allowed to flout our laws and regulations or jeopardise Londoners’ safety without facing serious consequences.”