Uber can keep operating in London for another year and a half after winning its appeal of a decision by the UK capital's transit regulator not to renew its licence.
The San Francisco-based ride-hailing company had challenged Transport for London's decision in late 2019 not to renew its operating licence over safety concerns involving impostor drivers.
Deputy Chief Magistrate Tan Ikram said on Monday he found Uber to be "fit and proper" and granted the company an 18-month licence extension, which comes with 21 conditions including providing regular, independent reports to authorities.
"Uber doesn't have a perfect record but it has an improving picture," Ikram said.
"I am satisfied that they are doing what a reasonable business in their sector could be expected to do, perhaps even more."
The company said the decision is a "recognition of Uber's commitment to safety" and it will "continue to work constructively" with the regulator.
It's a crucial legal victory in a lucrative European market as the company struggles to turn a profit.
Uber posted a $US1.8 billion ($A2.5 billion) loss in the latest quarter because millions of people stayed home amid the pandemic.
That has raised doubts that it can meet its goal of becoming profitable by 2021.
The company faces a slew of other regulatory challenges around the globe.
In Britain, it's also involved in a separate case at the Supreme Court over whether drivers should be considered workers with rights, in a ruling that could shake up the country's gig economy.
Uber's London license has been revoked twice since 2017 but the company has been able to continue operating while it appealed.
Australian Associated Press
