Taxi drivers say they are "over the moon" after the decision to scrap Uber from parts of Kent.

Transport for London (TfL) today said it will not be renewing the ride hailing firm's licence in the capital with the company operating in parts of the county under its London permission.

The firm uses the licence in Medway, Gravesend and Dartford but a series of safety concerns were raised by TfL about passenger safety with them deciding the company is "not fit for purpose".

Mike Smith, chairman of the Medway Licensed Taxi Drivers' Association, says he's "over the moon" with the decision.

"This is excellent news and a long time coming," said Mr Smith, who has campaigned for years to get Uber cabbies stopped from operating in the Medway towns.

"How Uber has been allowed to get away with operating like it does all over the country is beyond belief.

"We have always said if Uber wants to work in Medway, do the 'knowledge' and get a proper licence, like our drivers.

Calls to ban Uber in Medway is backed by council

"I believe a recent report from the TfL said there were hundreds of Uber drivers that they do not even know about.

"This has never been about money. It's about the safety of passengers."

Dartford taxi driver Steve Jones has been working in the town for more than 30 years.

He praised today's result as good news for drivers saying the trade has been blighted in recent years by Uber and other unlicensed taxi firms driving down from the capital.

"Once you are licensed in London you are untouchable," he said. "It has been two or three years since we have seen anything done."

Mr Jones claims many drivers hover around the designated taxi ranks or park in disabled bays and flash their lights at customers alighting from the station.

"You don't know who is driving the vehicle. Anyone could pick you up.

"I have to jump through all these hoops but they don't. Uber don't want to do these checks because it costs them too much money."

He has sought assurances from the local licensing authority, Dartford Borough Council which he says have told him they will be taking greater enforcement action.

'How Uber has been allowed to get away with operating like it does all over the country is beyond belief,' MLTDA's Mike Smith

But he is cautious about celebrating the result too soon, adding: "I cannot see them going off the street. I doubt we have seen the end of them."

Breaches by Uber included 14,000 trips when drivers had uploaded their pictures to another driver's profile allowing them to pick up a passenger thinking they had been booked in the first place.

All the journeys were therefore uninsured and put thousands of passengers at risk.

Dismissed and suspended drivers were also able to create new accounts to carry passengers.

Uber says it will be appealing the decision and now has 21 days to lodge papers and will remain operating until the appeal process is completed.

In a statement to customers, the firm said: "We think this decision is wrong and we will appeal. You and the 3.5 million riders who rely on Uber in London can continue to use the app as normal.

"Over the last two years we have fundamentally changed our business, and TfL found us to be a fit and proper operator just two months ago.

"We remain 100% committed to your safety."

London mayor Sadiq Khan has released a statement saying passenger safety is his number one concern, adding: "I know this decision may be unpopular with Uber users but their safety is the paramount concern.

"Regulations are there to keep Londoners safe and fully complying with TfL's strict standards is essential if private hire operators want a licence to operate in London."

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