Uber awaits high court verdict over smartphone app in battle with TfL

Transport for London is looking to clarify whether using smartphones to calculate fares amounts to a taximeter, which is banned in private hire vehicles

The ride-hailing app Uber is at the centre of a crucial high court case as London's transport authority seeks clarity on whether smartphones can lawfully be used to calculate fares.

After a day hearing evidence from all sides, the judge is widely expected to give his decision on Tuesday. If he rules against Uber, the verdict will be viewed as a victory for black-cab drivers and other minicab groups who feel the disruptive tech-focused competitor has not been regulated firmly enough during its three years of rapid growth in London.