Uber hails TfL’s move to scrap “bonkers” London cab proposals

Uber has welcomed TfL's decision to drop "bonkers" proposals that would have severely limited the taxi-hailing app's business in London.

The scrapped plans included a stipulation that people must wait at least five minutes between ordering a taxi and beginning the taxi journey.

TfL launched the proposals within a consultation on new rules for private hire operators in September 2015, but today TfL admitted the plans did not find widespread support despite 16,000 responses to the consultation.

Other suggestions that failed included a measure, suggested by London's black cab drivers, that apps should not show where available vehicles are, and an allowance for private cab firms to let customers book a taxi up to seven days in advance.

Uber's regional manager for the UK, Jo Bertram, said: "We're pleased Transport for London has listened to the views of passengers and drivers, dropping the bonkers ideas proposed last year like compulsory five minute wait times and banning showing cars in apps.

"It means Uber can continue to keep London moving with a convenient, safe and affordable ride at the push of a button."

But Mayor of London Boris Johnson, who has previously told the Telegraph that Uber breaks the law in "lots of minor ways", has asked TfL to explore whether private taxis should pay the congestion charge.

He said: "I have asked TfL to investigate the impact and feasibility of removing the congestion charging exemption for private hire vehicles with a view to cutting congestion in central London."

Such a move would cost cab drivers 11.50 to drive in central London on weekdays.