UBER UPDATE
UBER SEEKS TO EXPAND INTO NORTH LINCS BUT WOULD REQUIRE REMOVAL OF LAND LINE BARRIER
Uber is in discussions with North Lincs Council about launching in the area, a move that could see the local authority update its taxi licensing rules. Council officers confirmed the talks at a recent place scrutiny panel meeting, where they revealed that Uber is seeking a
licence to operate in the region. But a key obstacle is the council’s current requirement for licensed operators to have a land line. Uber said: “There are specific local restrictions around the need for a land line phone and we’re keen to discuss this with the council, as we believe there’s an opportunity
for us to launch here.” Richard Cropley, the council’s head of trading standards, said that the council would look to update the land line requirement in the future. He added: “I think that it’s better to have them onside to ensure that they’re licensed with us under our licensing regime.”
UBER BACKS OXFORD CONGESTION CHARGE CITING TRAFFIC RELIEF
Uber has publicly declared “strong support” for the proposed £5 daily congestion charge in Oxford, a move that comes just months after it launched in the city. PHVs and taxis would be exempt from the fee, which is currently under consideration by Oxford- shire County Council. In a statement, Uber praised the initiative’s aim of “reducing traffic
and improving public transport, cycling, and walking conditions.” The company:
“welcomes the
exemption for HCs and PHVs, recognising their role in providing accessible, flexible transport.” Uber also emphasised the need for a “streamlined registration process” for PHV exemptions. The sentiment is echoed by local operators who have long struggled
with the city’s traffic issues. Sajad Khan, secretary of the City of Oxford
Licensed Taxicab
Association, described congestion as a “massive issue” and high- lighted the real-world impact on passengers. “It’s vital that people understand the level of traffic impacts people we
hospital. A lot of them miss their appointments” Khan said.
ELMBRIDGE BC INVESTIGATES UBER ACTIVITY AT WEYBRIDGE STATION
Elmbridge BC has launched a Stage One investigation following a formal complaint submitted by Unite the Union regarding persistent breaches by TfL-licensed Uber vehicles at Weybridge train station taxi rank. Local drivers report months of loitering and illegal parking by Uber vehicle. They also say Uber drivers loiter for work inside council car parks,but never pay for parking. Yet the council has repeatedly claimed it “didn’t see anyone.”
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A major concern is that around 50% of the taxi rank area is not covered by Uber’s geofence, allowing Uber drivers to loiter just outside the zone - either directly next to the rank or in the Weybridge Heath North and South car parks, without bookings. The twist? When drivers submit video evidence, the council refuses to act - arguing the footage wasn’t filmed by them. This position was confirmed last year by the Data Protection department after a legal enquiry
from solicitors. As a result, driver- recorded violations are effectively inadmissible, leaving enforcement toothless and Uber unchecked. Miroslav Podlecki, a leading voice in the Elmbridge taxi trade, told PHTM: “It’s a clever combination - don’t record, don’t acknowledge, and claim nothing’s wrong. We hope this investigation finally breaks that pattern.” Further updates are expected as Unite the Union and local advocates push for accountability.
OCTOBER 2025 PHTM
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