Uber temporarily pulls out of Denmark after new taxi law

Stockholm - Ride-sharing group Uber on Tuesday said it would temporarily withdraw its business in Denmark, where a new taxi law restricts cab services.

Uber spokesman Kristian Agerbo told a press conference in Copenhagen: "Uber has decided that we are closing in Denmark, and we do this because of the new taxi law. 

Taxi regulation changes

"This is not necessarily a farewell to Denmark, but a message that we cannot live with the legislation that's in the field now," Agerbo was quoted as saying by the Danish Ritzau news agency.

Uber will officially end its activities in Denmark on April 18.

In February the Danish parliament passed a reform changing the regulations for taxis, following pressure from cab drivers.

More: Uber grounds self-driving cars after crash

The new law requires mandatory fare meters in cabs and seat occupancy detectors to activate the airbags.

Uber launched an online petition, signed by nearly 40 000 people, against the proposal.

The e-hailing service said: "The requirements are unnecessary because technology already provides better and more affordable solutions for driver and rider safety."

Uber has boasted 2000 drivers and 300 000 customers since launching in Denmark in 2014.

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