UBER UPDATE
UBER GRANTED LICENCE TO OPERATE IN BLACKBURN AND DARWEN
Ride-hailing giant Uber has been given the green light to operate in the borough of Blackburn with Darwen.
The decision has sparked concerns among local taxi and private hire drivers who fear it could significantly impact their business. Earlier this year, drivers expressed worry about out-of-town Uber drivers undercutting their prices and operating ‘on their patch’. Additionally, hundreds of drivers based in the borough but licensed by Wolverhampton Council, many of whom work for Uber, have been
operating in the Blackburn with Darwen area, further adding to the competition. Despite these concerns, Blackburn with Darwen Council
has granted Uber a five-year operating licence, effective from 12 November. Martin Eden, Strategic Director of Environment and Communities at the council, confirmed the approval, stating that the application was fully considered before the decision was made. Local taxi drivers have voiced their fears, suggesting that the move could lead to the closure of smaller firms and potential issues for passengers, such as higher charges for short journeys
or
difficulties accommodating guide dogs.
UBER GETS GREEN LIGHT TO OPERATE IN PLYMOUTH FOR FIVE YEARS
Plymouth is set to become the first location in Devon to welcome Uber after the city council’s licensing committee approved its application for an operator’s licence. UK-based firm Smartzi, was also granted one. The committee was asked to consider whether the directors of Uber and Smartzi are considered fit and proper people to
be
granted a Private Hire Vehicle Operator’s
Licence - a key
requirement under the Plymouth City Council Act 1975. It was also asked to
determine the
appropriate length of time a licence should be granted and whether any conditions should be imposed on the licence. Earlier this year Uber Britannia Limited applied for a private hire
34
vehicle operator licence for five years, with the intention of having 160 vehicles licensed per year. In contrast, Smartzi’s application, submitted in March, proposed a single licensed vehicle per year over the same period.
While Uber is a global giant,
known for its controversial employment practices, Smartzi positions itself as an “ethical technology business” promising better service and lower fares. The taxi licensing committee report stated: “Officers recognise that if this application is granted it will potentially affect other private hire operators in the city – the committee is reminded that this is not a factor to be considered when deciding the application.” The decision comes amid concerns
about a shortage of taxi drivers in Plymouth, which has been impacting the hospitality sector and raising safety concerns, particularly for women. Following the committee meeting on 21 November, a spokesperson for the council said: “Uber and Smartzi will be able to operate services in the city after the committee decided both met the council’s taxi licensing policy criteria. Both have been given a private hire vehicle operator licence for five years. “The decision was unanimous by the committee after it heard that both applicants complied with the legislation and taxi policies in the city. A licence has to be granted where all policy and legal requirements are met.”
DECEMBER 2024 PHTM
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74
