A court has overturned Transport for London's (TfL) ban on Uber's licence to operate in the city, after the controversial company made steps to change.
TfL refused to renew the licence when it ran out last September, on the grounds the ride-hailing firm was not 'fit and proper' to operate in the city.
The firm has been granted a 15-month provisional licence, allowing it to operate on a probational footing.
Uber had been seeking a five-year licence when it was refused last year.
'While ULL was not a fit and proper person… it is now a fit and proper person, and I grant a licence,” said chief magistrate Emma Arbuthnot in her ruling, following a two-day hearing at Westminister Magistrates' Court.
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: 'After years of operating poorly in London, Uber has now accepted that TfL's action in refusing to renew their licence was totally justified. Today our stance has been vindicated by the court.
'Uber has been put on probation - their 15 month licence has a clear set of conditions that TfL will thoroughly monitor and enforce.'
Caroline Pidgeon MBE AM, chair of the Transport Committee, said: 'Uber has now been granted the temporary right to operate in London having promised to up its game in terms of safety and working conditions. Court action has forced Uber to improve its working practices and Transport for London needs to make sure that the conditions of the licence renewal are strongly enforced.
'The London Assembly welcomed Transport for London’s decision in 2017 not to renew Uber’s licence as we were very concerned about its working practices and safety record. All operators need to play by the same rules so there is a level playing field.'
Among other changes, Uber agreed to give drivers insurance cover providing benefits such as sick pay and parental leave but only after pressure from unions.
