A rare piece from the Keswick Reminder
You'd think it had been written about 10 years ago, though
Maybe that's why it's called the Reminder
Keswick taxi firm owner raises concerns over Uber drivers operating in the area
https://keswickreminder.co.uk/2026/08/2 ... -the-area/
Concerns have been raised about Uber drivers taking away fares from taxi cab operators in the Keswick area.
Uber is a smartphone-based hail-a-ride service which connects passengers with private hire drivers through a mobile app.
Last year, Westmorland & Furness Council granted Uber a three-year private hire operator licence to operate across its area and a spokesperson for the company said they were pleased to be granted a licence to operate in Keswick in January.
Andrew Morris, of Threlkeld, a taxi driver who has been based in Keswick for 19 years, said he had seen a rise in the number of Uber/private-hire vehicles with Wolverhampton, Blackburn and Manchester plates coming over and working in Keswick and surrounding area.
“They are picking up tourists, driving them around, and are not leaving the area. They are just staying there, driving round all night, and I am wondering are they allowed to do that? I didn’t think they were.”
Mr Morris, who was a driver for Davies Taxis before setting up on his own, with his wife, Lesley, as Blencathra Taxis, in June 2023, has made a formal complaint to Cumberland Council.
He has called for the council to investigate the increasing number of Uber/private-hire vehicles operating in and around Keswick and the effect that this is having on locally licensed taxi drivers.
“I am particularly concerned about the way Uber/private-hire vehicles are operating within the Keswick area and whether all vehicles and drivers are complying fully with Cumberland Council’s taxi and private-hire licensing requirements,” stated Mr Morris.
“Local licensed taxi drivers in Keswick are required to comply with council licensing requirements, including vehicle inspections, licensing fees, driver requirements and other regulatory conditions. We therefore believe it is important that the same standards are properly enforced against private-hire vehicles operating through Uber or other platforms.”
Speaking to the Reminder, Mr Morris said: “As local taxi drivers in Keswick, we have spent a lot of money on all the rules and regulations to be a local taxi driver in Keswick.
“So it is only fair that private hire operators have to do the same.
“I said to one of them ‘what are you doing in this area?’ And he said ‘I can work wherever I want’ and that was it.
“At the weekend there was at least six of them parking up on the Back Streets.”
All the taxi firms operating in Keswick were in the same situation, said Mr Morris. But the taxi rank at the back of Bank Tavern in Derwent Close can only take three cars.
He added that ideally they would like to see an extended rank be established in the town, as space for just three cars was not enough.
A Cumberland Council spokeswoman said: “We have received correspondence from local taxi operators regarding private-hire vehicle activity in and around Keswick and understand the concerns that have been raised about the impact on the local licensed trade.
“Under current taxi and private-hire licensing legislation, private-hire journeys must be booked in advance through a licensed private-hire operator. Unlike hackney carriage taxis, private-hire vehicles cannot legally ply for hire, wait on ranks for customers, or pick up passengers without a pre-booking.
“Drivers, vehicles and operators carrying out private-hire work must hold the appropriate licences issued by the relevant licensing authority. The council expects all licensed drivers, vehicles and operators to comply with the conditions of their licences and all relevant legislation.
“We are committed to maintaining a safe, fair and properly regulated licensed vehicle trade and will consider any information provided through its established procedures.
“As this matter relates to a complaint that has been submitted to the council, it would not be appropriate to comment on specific individuals, vehicles or companies at this stage.”
An Uber spokesperson said: “We were pleased to be granted a licence to operate in Keswick in January and follow the same high standards and regulations as all private hire operators.”
Cumberland Council granted Uber a private-hire operator licence in January for a five-year period.
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