Uber Wins London Probationary License

Uber Technologies Inc won a probationary license to operate in London on Tuesday in a partial victory for its new chief executive after it made changes to ease strained relations with city authorities. The new license was subject to strict conditions, however, and came with a warning to prove it had changed to retain its right to operate in London, the heart of its biggest European market, Reuters reported. Uber overhauled its policies and personnel in Britain after Transport for London (TfL) refused to renew its license in September for failings in its approach to reporting serious criminal offences and background checks on drivers. The ruling has been a test of Uber’s new senior management, with Chief Executive Dara Khosrowshahi, who took charge the month before TfL’s decision, pledging to “make things right” in London. Judge Emma Arbuthnot said changes made by its London subsidiary in light of the ruling were sufficient for Uber to be considered “fit and proper” to operate as she granted a 15-month “probationary” license.