A High Court judge has dismissed a multimillion-pound lawsuit brought by 13,300 London black-cab drivers against Uber, ending a major legal threat over the ride-hailing app's expansion tactics. Mr Justice Birt ruled the claim was filed too late, allowing Uber to defeat the challenge without a full trial. The cabbies, represented by Mishcon de Reya, sought up to £25,000 each in damages, with the total value estimated at a minimum of £250mn.
They alleged Uber operated unlawfully between 2012 and 2018 by letting drivers accept bookings directly on smartphones rather than through a licensed pre-booking system, and accused the company of misleading Transport for London officials. The claim also referenced secretive software tools including "Greyball" and "Ripley" — the so-called "kill switch" — allegedly used to mislead regulators. Under English law, such cases must be brought within six years, though extensions apply if concealment can be proven.
The judge rejected arguments for an extended deadline, finding the claimants had sufficient information to act earlier. Uber denied all claims and welcomed the ruling as closure on legacy matters. Mishcon de Reya said it was considering grounds for appeal.
In recent years, Uber has sought to rebuild ties with London's taxi community, allowing black cabs to be booked through its app since 2024. The company now faces new competition from autonomous vehicle providers such as Waymo.
Source: Financial Times Companies · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing