"We've changed," says Uber in appeal to regain license in London.

(Reuters)- Uber admitted to making mistakes, but said on Monday, during an appeal hearing against a decision that revoked its license in London, that it has changed. London's transport regulator (TfL) surprised the company last September by refusing to renew its license, citing flaws in its crime reporting procedures and driver background checks. Uber, backed by financial groups such as Goldman Sachs and BlackRock and valued at over $70 billion, has faced protests, bans and restrictions worldwide as it challenges traditional taxi operators and angers drivers' unions.

The legal proceedings in London are a test of how much Uber can demonstrate that it has changed, and while the appeal is being considered, the company can continue operating its service in the city. Judge Emma Arbuthnot said she will likely decide the case on Tuesday, after hearing from TfL.

Dara Khosrowshahi, Uber's chief executive who took over a month before the London authority's decision, has since been committed to "fixing things" in the British capital. In London, the company has made several changes to its business model since losing its license, including introducing 24/7 telephone support and being proactive in reporting serious incidents to the local police.

Uber's lawyer, Thomas de la Mare, said the company accepted the September ruling and the focus of the appeal should be on the reforms the company has made since then.

Judge Arbuthnot indicated that any renewal of the app's license could be for a shorter period than the 18 months the company is seeking.

For Uber, one of its most important foreign markets is at stake. Of its more than 60 drivers in Great Britain, around 45 are in London.