Uber is withdrawing from Denmark, blaming tough new regulations
Uber is closing its operation in Denmark, after it said new rules due to come into force in the country will make its operation “untenable”.
A spokesman confirmed the ride-hailing app is withdrawing from the country, saying new regulations set to be introduced in the country shortly cap the number of licences issued to drivers at 125 a month meant licencing all its drivers will take “years”.
The new rules also mean Uber drivers will be forced to fit a €500 (£432) taxi meter, which the company said “raises the barrier to entry”, as well as effectively banning ride-sharing.
While Uber operates its Pop ride-sharing product in Denmark, the services which act more like a traditional minicab – UberX, XL, Exec and Lux – are not available..
The last day of operation will be 18 April, the spokesman said.
“Uber is used by more than 2,000 drivers and 300,000 riders in Denmark, providing access to affordable and reliable transportation at the push of a button.
“Unfortunately, due to the upcoming changes in regulations, we have been left with no choice but to close the service. Our top priority is supporting the drivers who use Uber during this difficult time. We will continue to work with the government in the hope that they will update their proposed regulations and again enable Danes to enjoy the benefits of modern technologies like Uber.”
However, the company added that it is not leaving Denmark altogether.
“We have a team of 40 talented engineers based in Aarhus who help develop Uber technology for users around the world. As our team in Aarhus grows, we hope that Denmark will live up to its reputation as a technology friendly nation and allow Danish people to benefit from this local engineering work”
On Sunday Uber said it had suspended its self-driving car trial after a crash left one of its vehicles on its side in Arizona.
In the UK the company is also fighting tough new regulations, with Transport for London threatening to introduce legislation requiring all private hire drivers to take an English test.
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