Could have sworn there was an earlier article on here about the application, but I must be thinking about somewhere else
Or maybe I read an article but didn't bother posting it here.
But the photo was used recently - in the piece about the leasing of the station rank to United Taxis, to the detriment of the independent drivers
Anyway, nothing particularly new here, but the councillor seems to think that with a local operator's licence there won't be cross-border cars working in BCP. Er, I don't think that's the way it works
Uber granted licence to operate in BCP for the first time
https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/ ... irst-time/
UBER has been granted a licence to operate across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole for the first time.
The international taxi firm, which allows users to book and pay for journeys through a mobile app, has now been officially approved to run services in the BCP area.
At a Licensing Committee meeting on October 22, 2025, councillors confirmed Uber’s licence status while also approving updated taxi and private hire policies.
The company met all required policy and compliance standards to secure its operating licence.
Cllr Kieron Wilson, BCP Council cabinet member with responsibility for licensing, said: “Our priority is to help our residents by ensuring all licensed operators meet the highest standards of safety and compliance.”
Until now, Uber journeys in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole were only possible when cars travelled in from areas such as Portsmouth, where the company was already licensed.
With this new approval, Uber drivers will now be officially permitted to operate within the BCP boundary.
Cllr Wilson added: “Uber drivers licensed by other councils have been travelling into our area and working for some time, so it is better for people who choose to use them in BCP that the company’s vehicles and drivers will now be operating under an official private hire operator licence and be required to meet these standards.”
Some concerns were raised about how Uber’s arrival may affect other taxi and private hire businesses already operating in the area.
Ahmed Mohamed, who represents the Bournemouth Taxi Rank Association, said: “It’s a difficult time for everyone at the moment.
Image: Newsquest/Bournemouth Echo
"We need to make sure we work together, do our jobs properly and professionally, and keep up a good image in Bournemouth.”
Cllr Wilson said the council would continue to liaise with local drivers to support the trade through the change.
He added: “We understand other drivers may be concerned by the decision to grant a licence to Uber, and we continue to meet regularly with representatives of the local taxi trade.”