Taxi app Uber has lost its attempt to stop drivers having to take an English language test in London.
The US-based technology firm took legal action against a decision by Transport for London (TFL) last year that its drivers should take a written English test.
But Uber’s case has been rejected by High Court Judge John Mitting, who said: “TFL are entitled to require private hire drivers to demonstrate English language compliance.”
Uber’s lawyers had argued that the language test could lead to 70,000 applicants failing to receive a licence over the next three years.
TFL said that the language test was needed to ensure passenger safety and to raise the standards of Uber’s service.
London mayor Sadiq Khan said: “I’m delighted that the courts have today backed my plans to drive up standards and improve passenger safety in London.
“Drivers being able to speak English and understand information from passengers and licensing requirements is a vital part of ensuring passengers get the high standard of service they need and deserve.
“TFL will, of course, look at the High Court judgement in detail to ensure all our policies fully comply, as we continue to work to improve standards and passenger safety across London’s private hire and taxi services.”
But Uber did win its case against TFL which would have required it to operate a call centre to deal with customer complaints, as well as having to ensure that its drivers hold minicab insurance for periods when they were not working.