> Black cab drivers argue that the app poses a risk to public safety and customers being overcharged, with no opportunity to challenge fares before the money is automatically taken out of their bank accounts.<p>Personally, I'd rather be overcharged in an Uber where I have a GPS trace of the route and an ability to challenge the fare, than a black cab where you only have a driver telling you to pay a certain amount.
The question of legality related solely to its use within London. There has never been an issue outside of London and I imagine that before Uber other taxi firms used apps, it was just the threat to black cabs that brought this action.
Here is the judgment [1] it seems very sensible, and shows how laws should react to tech.<p>[1] <a href="https://www.judiciary.gov.uk/judgments/transport-for-london-v-uber-london-ltd-licensed-taxi-drivers-association-licensed-private-hire-car-association/" rel="nofollow">https://www.judiciary.gov.uk/judgments/transport-for-london-...</a>