Controversial cab-hailing app Uber does not break the law, the high court in Britain has ruled.

Black cab drivers had argued that by using GPS signals to calculate the cost of a journey, Uber was breaching a law which bans private hire cars from being equipped with taximeters.

Transport for London (TfL) went to court for clarification, where Mr Justice Ouseley handed Uber a decisive victory and said the app operates differently to a taximeter.

The Licensed Taxi Drivers Association said: "The law really is an ass."

An appeal is planned.

Cab drivers say it is unfair that Uber drivers can operate a taximeter-style charging system without having to undergo the rigorous licensing process which black cab drivers must go through.

Earlier this year hundreds of black cab drivers blocked roads in central London to protest against TfL's perceived soft stance on Uber.

Drivers say the app poses a risk to public safety and customers being overcharged, with no opportunity to challenge fares before the money is automatically taken from their bank accounts.

TfL recently proposed compulsory five-minute waits before Uber drivers could pick up passengers, among other measures.

A petition against the move has been signed by 130,000 people.

Uber said: "Now the high court has ruled in favour of new technology, we hope Transport for London will think again on their bureaucratic proposals for apps like Uber."

TfL said: "Disruptive technology and new business models have radically changed the way that taxi and private hire services operate and has widened customer choice. This is welcome."

Around one million people in London are signed up to the service, which has 18,000 drivers.

The company also operates in Dublin.

General Manager of Uber Ireland Kieran Harte spoke to Bobby Kerr on Down to Business earlier this year. You can listen back below: