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In March, the San Francisco-based firm, which allows people to
book journeys on their smartphone, lost a court battle against
Transport for London (TfL), the latest setback as the
authorities crack down on the ride service.
Uber has cited TfL data that the language rules, which would
involve written tests, could mean about 33,000 private hire
drivers out of a total of around 110,000 operating in London
would be unable to renew their licenses.
Drivers applying for a new or renewed license have until the end
of September to prove they meet the more rigorous English
language criteria, pushed by London Mayor Sadiq Khan partly in
response to pressure from drivers of the city's traditional
black cabs who fear their business model is being undercut.
Uber called for the proposals to be delayed until after court
proceedings due next February at the very least.
"We're pleased to have secured this appeal to defend tens of
thousands of drivers who risk losing their livelihoods because
they can't pass an essay writing test," Uber's London General
Manager Tom Elvidge said on Tuesday.
"We urge TfL and the Mayor not to introduce these
disproportionate and discriminatory rules before the appeal is
heard," he said.
TfL did not immediately comment when contacted by Reuters on
Tuesday.
Uber has had a tumultuous few months after a string of scandals
involving allegations of sexism and bullying at the firm,
leading to investor pressure which forced out chief executive
and co-founder Travis Kalanick.
(Reporting by Costas Pitas; Editing by Keith Weir)
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