A UK court has thrown out a £200 million legal action brought by London black cab drivers who alleged that ride-hailing firm Uber had misled Transport for London (TfL) over its operating licence. The judge concluded the challenge was time-barred, finding the claimants had not brought their case within the required period.
The claim sought damages on the basis that Uber gave misleading information to TfL relating to its licence, a matter that has previously drawn regulatory scrutiny. In dismissing the suit, the court did not determine the underlying merits of the allegations but based its decision on procedural grounds related to the timing of the claim.
Legal teams for the drivers had argued for redress totalling around £200 million. Uber, which has faced multiple legal and regulatory challenges in recent years over its licensing and operational practices in London and elsewhere, successfully applied to have the case struck out before a full hearing.
The ruling underscores the importance of limitation periods in commercial litigation and means the alleged misconduct will not be adjudicated in this particular lawsuit. The decision does not preclude other proceedings or investigations into the company by regulators, but it does end this specific claim brought by the black cab drivers unless further legal steps are taken.