A BLACK cab drivers trade body has filed a legal challenge against taxi firm Free Now over claims the ridehailing app's business model is illegal.

The body is seeking to argue that ride-hailing apps that let private hire taxis cruise the streets and respond to hails are acting illegally.

The United Trade Action Group (UTAG) is set to argue that ride-hailing apps like Uber, Bolt and Free Now allow private hire taxis privileges only granted to hackney carriages.

UTAG are calling for a judicial review of Transport for London's (TfL's) decision to license the apps.

The cab drivers say an 1869 law bans private hire cabs from the act of cruising the streets for business.

(c) 2022 City A.M., source Newspaper