Taxis at dawn: Uber and Transport for London taximeter High Court ruling due Friday morning
The fate of Uber in London will be known this morning, when the courts finally decide if the app is legal or not in a long-running and bitter battle with rival black cab drivers.
A High Court judge will hand down a ruling on whether the app is considered a taximeter – a device which is only allowed to be used in London's traditional black cabs.
Black cab drivers argue the app’s calculation of fares constitutes metering, and is therefore illegal. Transport for London believes the app is not considered a meter under current laws, but deferred a final decision on interpreting legislation to the High Courts.
Read more: Uber and Transport for London head for high court in taximeter legal battle
Speaking ahead of last week's one-day hearing when Mr Justice Ouseley heard evidence in the case brought by TfL, Uber insisted the outcome would not affect its ability to operate in the capital.
However, rival minicab firm Addison Lee has claimed a ruling against Uber would have a devastating effect on its business and leave drivers open to fines and a criminal record.
London Mayor Boris Johnson today said the "toothpaste was out of the tube" when it came to the inevitable disruption caused by new technologies and to "make sure that we do what we can to give the black cab trade a level playing field."
Johnson last week said he believed Uber was breaking the law by allowing minicabs to ply for hire through the app. He spoke out for the first time in detail about his position amid the intensifying battle between Uber and London's traditional black cab, after TfL revealed proposals for new regulations which would change Uber's business in the UK.
If it Uber passes the legal hurdle tomorrow it still faces a clampdown if the new rules get the go ahead.
A Populus poll of more than 1,000 people commissioned by Uber published today found 71 per cent of Londoners oppose banning Uber from showing the availability of nearby cars on the app and more than half were against a requirement that riders have to wait at least five minutes to be picked up by a car after booking, even if there is one nearby. Both of these rules have been suggested by TfL.
Read more: Business secretary Sajid Javid sides with Uber in Transport for London crackdown
"It's clear Londoners overwhelmingly oppose TfL's proposals," said Uber UK manager Jo Bertram. "Over one million people in the capital use our service, but these plans would change the Uber Londoners know and love today.
"We understand black cab drivers are feeling the pressure from more competition. But the answer is to level the playing field by reducing today’s burdensome black cab regulations," she added. "Over 130,000 people have already signed our petition against these proposals. We hope TfL will listen to Londoners and let Uber keep London moving."
Speaking ahead of last week’s one-day hearing when Mr Justice Ouseley heard evidence in the case brought by Transport for London (TfL), Uber insisted the outcome would not affect its ability to operate in the capital.