Sky News reported that the action, which will be filed in the High Court on Thursday, alleges that Uber improperly obtained a licence from Transport for London in 2012 and therefore took business away from other drivers unlawfully.

The drivers' claims centre on accusations that Uber improperly acquired its Private Hire Vehicle Licence from Transport for London (TfL) under the Private Hire Vehicles (London) Act 1988. They allege that Uber’s operating system was non-compliant with the Act’s requirements and accuse Uber of deceiving TfL to secure its licence, with the intention of unlawfully increasing market share at the expense of traditional black cab drivers.

The value of the claim is estimated at a minimum of £250m, with each of the 10,500 black cab drivers potentially eligible for compensation of up to £25,000, according to RGL Management, the litigation claims management company representing them.

All London black cab drivers who worked full-time or part-time between June 2012 and mid-March 2018, including those who have since retired, can join the action, according to a statement published on RGL's website.

"Uber seems to believe it is above the law and cabbies across London have suffered loss of earnings because of it," Garry White, who has driven a black cab for 36 years, said in a statement. "It is time they were held to account."

According to reports, an Uber spokesperson defended the company, stating:

“These old claims are completely unfounded. Uber operates lawfully in London, holds a full TfL license, and serves millions in the capital.”

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