Judge orders precautionary shutdown of Uber in Spain, says service offers unfair competition

A judge has ordered the precautionary suspension of the ridesharing service Uber in Spain, saying it represents unfair competition.

A Madrid mercantile court judge said Tuesday that Uber drivers lacked proper permits to transport passengers in Spain.

The suspension had been sought by Madrid's Taxi Association, which is planning a legal case against Uber.

There was no immediate comment from Uber.

Uber allows passengers to hail a ride from a mobile app. The company takes a cut from what the drivers' charge.

Taxi drivers say such services are unfair as the drivers do not have to fulfill the same requirements or pay tens of thousands of euros (dollars) for training and licences as taxi drivers do.

The San Francisco-based company has met with opposition in several European Union countries.