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San
Francisco-based Uber, which allows users to book journeys at the
touch of a button on their smartphone, has faced bans and
protests around the world as regulators play catch-up with
technology disrupting traditional operators.
Uber launched legal action in August after public body Transport
for London (TfL) said that drivers should have to prove their
ability to communicate in English, including to a standard of
reading and writing which Uber said was too high.
"TfL are entitled to require private hire drivers to demonstrate
English language compliance," said Judge John Mitting as he
rejected Uber's claim.
Uber said earlier this week in court that having such a high a
level of required English competence could mean about 33,000
London private hire drivers lose their licenses.
The decision is the latest setback to the firm in Britain after
a tribunal ruled in October it should treat its drivers as
workers and pay them the minimum wage and holiday pay, a verdict
the firm is appealing.
The firm, however, did manage to overturn proposals by TfL on
Friday for drivers to have permanent private hire insurance and
for Uber to operate a 24/7 call center.
(Reporting by Costas Pitas; editing by Michael Holden)
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