Taxi Driver Online

Same old, same old

Clueless local reps marching drivers up to the top of the hill with unrealistic and misleading claims and demands, while the council put on their comms hat, when maybe a better idea would be to say there's nothing obviously illegal going on, and there's nothing they can do about it, other than ask Westminster politicians to change the law


Uber: Worcester taxi drivers calls for restrictions

https://www.worcesternews.co.uk/news/24 ... trictions/

TAXI drivers are increasingly concerned about out-of-town Uber drivers working in Worcester, damaging the local trade as they call for better protection and a fairer system.

Drivers from across the city met to discuss how to tackle the issue of 'cross-bordering' and 'geo-fencing' as a way of safeguarding their livelihood at a meeting at Unity House in Worcester.

Some Worcester drivers have complained that taxi drivers are even coming into the city from as far away as Wolverhampton.

Now industry leaders are calling on Worcester City Council to do more to protect local drivers, particularly from the impact of Uber drivers.

Meanwhile, the city council said it understands the concerns of drivers and will consider what action, if any, can be taken once the petition has been received.

We have also approached Uber for a comment.

In a letter to hackney carriage drivers, Arshad Hassan, Chairman Worcester Taxi Association, said: "We will be drafting and signing a petition to present to the council with the aim of requesting Uber to implement Geo-fencing in Worcester.

Now industry leaders are calling on Worcester City Council to do more to protect local drivers, particularly from the impact of Uber drivers.

Meanwhile, the city council said it understands the concerns of drivers and will consider what action, if any, can be taken once the petition has been received.

We have also approached Uber for a comment.

In a letter to hackney carriage drivers, Arshad Hassan, Chairman Worcester Taxi Association, said: "We will be drafting and signing a petition to present to the council with the aim of requesting Uber to implement Geo-fencing in Worcester.

"This measure is crucial to restrict Uber’s ride-hailing activities within our city limits, ensuring fair competition and the sustainability of our local taxi services.

"Your presence and input are highly valuable as we unite to safeguard the interests of our community. Together, we can make a significant impact and bring about the change necessary for the betterment of our trade."

Haris Saleem, vice-chairman of the taxi association, said legal action is now being considered.

"We have seen an increase in the number of Uber drivers in Worcester. It is hurting the local trade and that's why we're concerned," he said.

A spokesperson for Cathedral Cars, based in Worcester, said: "Uber and illegal drivers are impacting our Hackney drivers.

"Our council should take action to protect Hackneys in Worcester.

"The most worrying thing is that there are many fake drivers and taxis who haven't got Wolverhampton badges or they create fake badges and no one checks their badges.

"The only way to stop them is for the council to write a letter to Wolverhampton council that Wolverhampton plated cars only work in Wolverhampton just as Worcester taxis only work in Worcester."

A Worcester City Council spokesperson said: “The council recognise and understand the concerns being raised by the taxi trade in relation to UK ride hailing apps such as Uber, offering their services in Worcester and will upon receipt of any petition consider what options if any are available to the council under the existing legal framework governing the control of hackney carriage and private hire vehicles.”

Chances of either happening? Roughly 0%, I'd guess. I mean, Uber's not going to destroy its national business model just to please the trade in one town. (At least not in terms of geofencing to the level of individual licensing areas.)

And Wolverhampton Council not going to wind down its wee empire of licensing 30,000 plates, 40,000 drivers and 400 operators again just because the trade in one town doesn't like it

In the grand scheme, only way to stop it is to get Westminster to do it. Which at least the petition seems to acknowledge.