UBER UPDATE
DARLINGTON DRIVERS RAISE CONCERNS OVER RISE OF UBER DRIVERS TAKING RIDES OFF LOCAL CABBIES
Darlington’s taxi drivers have raised concerns over a surge in Uber drivers operating in the town, threatening their livelihoods. Local cabbies report a significant increase in Uber vehicles from Newcastle, saturating the market and forcing many to seek work in neighbouring towns such as Durham, Stockton, Middlesbrough, and beyond. One driver, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed frustration at the influx of drivers from outside Darlington. “Every week, more and more drivers are coming into Darlington,” he said. “These Newcastle drivers are taking over,
and we’re getting no chance at all.” The driver argued that local cab- bies with intimate knowledge of the area
are more valued by
customers. He claimed that Newcastle-based drivers are capitalising on Uber’s
recent
licensing in Darlington, a move that had previously been warned could lead to an influx of drivers from outside the area. Dozens of other local drivers and companies share the concerned driver’s worries. Despite living in Darlington, he now finds more work in Durham City. “We need local drivers,” he added. While some residents are pleased with
the arrival of Uber, many are also expressing concerns about the quality of service provided by drivers from outside the area. Some local drivers allege that these drivers are less helpful to passengers and often refuse cash payments. A spokesperson for DBC stated that customers can choose their preferred service based on factors like convenience, availability, and price. The council will continue to monitor the situation and work with other local authorities to ensure that all drivers and vehicles operating in the town are appropriately licensed.
BACKLASH OVER DECISION TO GRANT UBER AN OPERATOR LICENCE IN BLACKPOOL
Blackpool taxi drivers have expressed frustration after the council approved an operator’s licence for Uber behind closed doors. The Blackpool Taxi Association has criticised the decision, arguing that numerous complaints against out-of-town Uber drivers operating in the town warranted a public hearing before the Blackpool Council’s Public Protection Sub- Committee. Bill Lewtas, secretary of the association, has challenged the council’s justification for the decision. He claims that taxi drivers have provided evidence of Uber drivers violating local regulations, such as using taxi ranks. Lewtas said the council had been made aware of these issues but had not provided sufficient feedback or taken appropriate action.
PHTM NOVEMBER 2024
He argued that the complaints should have been considered as part of the licensing application process, which would typically involve a public hearing. Lewtas also questioned why the council did not disclose the location of Uber’s operating base in Black- pool, when taxi policy states licences will not be granted for an operating base outside the town. Additionally, Lewtas raised concerns about the lack
of
enforcement against out-of-town taxi drivers in general. However, the council’s cabinet member for community safety, Cllr Paula Burdess, defended the decision, stating that the issues raised by local taxi drivers could not be considered in relation to Uber’s
application. She also emphasised that the application
was solely about Uber’s suitability to hold an operator’s licence. Meanwhile, a growing wave of opposition has emerged against the official licensing of Uber, with over 1,300 people signing a petition demanding a rethink. The petition was initiated by local taxi driver Neil Charnock, in response to drivers’ concerns for their livelihoods and the potential deterioration of driving standards. The council has acknowledged the potential impact on the local taxi industry and has pledged to monitor and regulate Uber drivers operating in the town. Cllr Burdess stated: “The presence of Uber as an operator in the town means that vehicles and drivers licensed in Blackpool can be regulated by us, giving us greater control to tackle any issues.”
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