This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-27783218

The article has changed 6 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 2 Version 3
London braced for anti-Uber protests London braced for anti-Uber protests
(about 7 hours later)
Transport for London (TfL) has warned of significant traffic disruption in the capital as taxi drivers gear up to protest at rival cab service Uber.Transport for London (TfL) has warned of significant traffic disruption in the capital as taxi drivers gear up to protest at rival cab service Uber.
The protest is the latest in a series across Europe as traditional cab services express anger over what they regard as a lack of regulation of Uber.The protest is the latest in a series across Europe as traditional cab services express anger over what they regard as a lack of regulation of Uber.
The protest will start in Trafalgar Square at 14:00 BST.The protest will start in Trafalgar Square at 14:00 BST.
Cabbies are unhappy that Uber is using a mobile app to work out the cost of rides.Cabbies are unhappy that Uber is using a mobile app to work out the cost of rides.
They argue this is tantamount to a taxi meter, which only black cabs are legally entitled to use in London.They argue this is tantamount to a taxi meter, which only black cabs are legally entitled to use in London.
The Metropolitan Police says conditions have been imposed on protesters after they failed to meet with officers to discuss their plans.The Metropolitan Police says conditions have been imposed on protesters after they failed to meet with officers to discuss their plans.
Garrett Emmerson, Transport for London's chief operating officer for surface transport, said: "A number of taxi drivers are set to cause pointless disruption for Londoners over a legal issue that is down to the courts to decide upon.Garrett Emmerson, Transport for London's chief operating officer for surface transport, said: "A number of taxi drivers are set to cause pointless disruption for Londoners over a legal issue that is down to the courts to decide upon.
"TfL will work with the Metropolitan Police to do all we can to keep central London moving, however, given the scale of the likely disruption, we would advise drivers to avoid the area if at all possible.""TfL will work with the Metropolitan Police to do all we can to keep central London moving, however, given the scale of the likely disruption, we would advise drivers to avoid the area if at all possible."
'Failed Londoners''Failed Londoners'
Cabbies claim that Uber is breaking the law by using an app as a taxi meter to determine the price of rides and is seeking a High Court ruling on the issue, which is expected to take several months.Cabbies claim that Uber is breaking the law by using an app as a taxi meter to determine the price of rides and is seeking a High Court ruling on the issue, which is expected to take several months.
"We have nothing against competition but we feel that Transport for London has failed Londoners by allowing Uber to operate outside the law," said Steve McNamara of the Licensed Taxi Drivers' Association."We have nothing against competition but we feel that Transport for London has failed Londoners by allowing Uber to operate outside the law," said Steve McNamara of the Licensed Taxi Drivers' Association.
Up to 12,000 drivers are expected to take part in the protest.Up to 12,000 drivers are expected to take part in the protest.
Metropolitan Police Chief Superintendent Pippa Mills said organisers had failed to discuss the protest in advance, so the following conditions have been imposed by on the demonstration:Metropolitan Police Chief Superintendent Pippa Mills said organisers had failed to discuss the protest in advance, so the following conditions have been imposed by on the demonstration:
Uber now serves more than 100 cities in 37 countries and has high-profile backers including Google and Goldman Sachs.Uber now serves more than 100 cities in 37 countries and has high-profile backers including Google and Goldman Sachs.
It has 3,000 registered drivers in London.It has 3,000 registered drivers in London.
'Creative destruction''Creative destruction'
The Institute of Directors has likened the protest to the machine-breakers of the 19th Century who tried and failed to stop the spread of the power loom.The Institute of Directors has likened the protest to the machine-breakers of the 19th Century who tried and failed to stop the spread of the power loom.
"Black cabs have been a symbol of London for many decades, known across the world. But symbols, no matter how iconic, cannot be allowed to stand in the way of innovation," said director general Simon Walker."Black cabs have been a symbol of London for many decades, known across the world. But symbols, no matter how iconic, cannot be allowed to stand in the way of innovation," said director general Simon Walker.
"Uber and its rival apps are an example of the positive disruption new technology brings, offering consumers new choices about how to travel."Uber and its rival apps are an example of the positive disruption new technology brings, offering consumers new choices about how to travel.
"The battle over taxi apps gets to the heart of what creative destruction means. As a nation, we have to decide whether we want to open ourselves up to more choice and competition, or protect existing industries at the expense of consumers," he added."The battle over taxi apps gets to the heart of what creative destruction means. As a nation, we have to decide whether we want to open ourselves up to more choice and competition, or protect existing industries at the expense of consumers," he added.
Uber was taking the protest in its stride and not missing the opportunity to advertise its services.Uber was taking the protest in its stride and not missing the opportunity to advertise its services.
"Our technology allows us to identify areas where demand is high and we'll be helping Londoners to get around town quickly and efficiently," said Jo Bertram, UK and Ireland general manager."Our technology allows us to identify areas where demand is high and we'll be helping Londoners to get around town quickly and efficiently," said Jo Bertram, UK and Ireland general manager.
As well as London, traffic problems are expected in key European cities as traditional cabbies in Rome, Paris, Berlin and Milan join the protests.