There are times when I despair at the utter stupidity of those who say they represent sections of the trade.
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Eastleigh hackney drivers raise concerns over Uber app usehttps://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/258551 ... r-app-use/Concerns have been raised over private hire drivers working for app-based firms such as Uber using their phones to accept jobs while driving.
Representatives of Eastleigh’s hackney carriage trade spoke out at a meeting of Eastleigh Borough Council on February 12, warning that app-based systems used by companies such as Uber could be putting motorists and passengers at risk.
Steve Lucas, hackney carriage representative, told councillors that members of the trade were increasingly uneasy about the practice.
Mr Lucas said: “Members of the trade are concerned that there are many large private hire companies that insist on their drivers touching their screen and looking to the next job while they are driving.
“We contacted the police and they said you shouldn’t be touching your phone while you are driving, that was from the patrol unit at Hampshire Constabulary.
“Yet I’ve got friends who work for certain companies and, as they’re driving, jobs pop up. They have to press to accept the job and then carry on. Then another job comes up. It takes their attention away from driving the vehicle. I don’t think it’s right.”
Fellow hackney carriage representative Arron Andrews said the issue was particularly concerning at motorway speeds.
“That feature in Uber is a distraction,” he said. “You can be driving along the M27 motorway, and it offers you a job. You have about 30 seconds to work out where the pick-up is, what area it covers and how much it pays.
“I don’t see why Uber can’t disable that feature while the vehicle is moving. That would remove the distraction and the temptation for drivers to touch the screen.”
Responding to the concerns, Russell Hawkings, the council’s licensing manager, said the law on mobile phone use while driving was clear.
“I can understand why you want to bring that up and say this is happening and is unsafe,” he said. “If somebody is distracted by their phone while driving, that’s an offence, done.”
Under UK law, drivers must not hold or use a mobile phone while driving. This includes tapping the screen to accept jobs or check messages.
Breaking the rules can lead to fines and penalty points, and the police can take action against anyone distracted at the wheel.
For Uber and other app-based services, the responsibility falls on the driver. While the company provides the app, it is illegal for drivers to interact with it while moving.
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