York Council’s Licensing and Regulatory Committee granted Uber’s private licence application on Tuesday evening (June 10) with conditions to try and stop pick ups at taxi ranks. Uber Head of Cities Matthew Freckleton said the company looked forward to recruiting York-based drivers and having an official working relationship with the council. Advertisement Advertisement Did you know with a Digital subscription to Yorkshire Post, you can get access to all of our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more.
But York Taxi Association Chair Arfan Asif said Uber drivers had disregarded industry rules while operating in the city while several other drivers called on councillors to refuse the application. The decision means Uber will be able to establish a base in York and recruit local drivers for the first time since councillors refused to renew its licence in December 2017. Its licence renewal bid was refused following a significant data breach and 155 complaints lodged against its drivers in the year leading up to the decision.
Uber drivers licensed elsewhere have still been legally able to travel into York to take jobs. Advertisement Advertisement Several York taxi workers spoke against Uber’s application, claiming out-of-town Uber drivers had plied for trade at ranks and competed against them despite the company not being licensed in York. York Taxi Association President Mr Asif said councillors should stand by their previous decis.
