Taxi drivers call for more restrictions on Uber

A taxi firm owner said he is "angry and frustrated" at what he claimed is the impact Uber is having on the trade in his part of Gloucestershire.

Pieter-Jon Allis, owner of Stroud Taxi, said between October and November last year, calls for his taxis decreased by 72%, and that his fellow cabbies are reporting a similar reduction in business across the Cotswolds.

Uber isn't licensed to operate in that part of the county, but private-licensed drivers are allowed to come from elsewhere to pick up fares.

A spokesperson for Uber said all drivers on their platform in Gloucestershire are fully licensed and operate under the same stringent safety regulations as all other private hire operators.

Cab drivers in the Cotswolds shared their views at a council meeting in November.

They claimed Uber drivers are operating in towns such as Cirencester and Moreton-in-Marsh, according to the Local Democracy Service.

Taxi driver Robert Miller, who acted as their spokesperson at the meeting, and called for the Uber app to be cut off in the district.

"Uber does not have a CDC licence to operate in the Cotswolds," he said.

"That means that cars that are coming into the area - and we have quite a number of them - are operating outside of the regulations."

He said local authorities have the responsibility for regulation of taxis and private hire trading in their district, according to the Department for Transport issued guidance.

He asked the council to "direct licensing to effectively 'geofence' the Cotswolds".

"That is to cut off the Uber app in our area so that we can effectively get on and do what we are required to do," Miller added.

Allis, who has been driving taxis for over 20 years, said he is the only driver left in his company since Uber started crossing into Stroud in July 2024.

"There's not enough work," he said. "It was the quietest December I can remember.

"Don't get me wrong, from a customer's point of view I understand it, I understand how slick the interface is, I understand they [Uber] can offer really good prices.

"[But] they're [Uber] not governed by the same rules we're governed by, which are pretty stringent by Stroud District Council."

He added: "It's getting to the point where I'm looking at other options of what I can do because I don't see how I can feasibly earn a living by the way things are going".

Ross Owen, a taxi driver in Stroud for 11 years, said: "The main thing that's changed is that they [Uber} have invaded Stroud really.

"There's no support system there for us, I don't know where it's going to lead.

"Takings are not what they were and it's stressful, especially when you've got children and rent to pay.

"There have been rows between drivers on the rank and Uber drivers and that's another concern that something could escalate between drivers".

Will Lloyd-Baker, owner of Fostons Ash Inn in Stroud, told BBC West he sympathises with small taxi firms but says Uber has helped his business.

He said: "Uber has helped with the convenience of people coming to the pub, leaving the pub, it makes people stay for longer and it's more accessible sort of thing and it's more accessible as a result."

"We're always about local, small businesses," he added. "If anyone asks for a local taxi company, we will always suggest the local taxis than uber."

A Stroud District Council spokesperson emphasised Uber does not hold a private hire operator's licence with them.

"Under national legislation, private hire drivers licensed by other authorities are permitted to take pre-booked journeys anywhere, including within the Stroud district.

"Stroud District Council ensures that all drivers and operators licensed by us meet the required standards of safety and compliance in line with national law and guidance."

Cotswolds District Council echoed the statement and said its role is to "apply the law fairly and ensure public safety".

They said: "We understand the issues raised by local taxi firms and appreciate the concerns they have about the impact this may have on their businesses.

"While we cannot restrict Uber under current law, we are keen to explore ways to support collaboration across the private hire sector through our economic development team."

An Uber spokesperson said every driver on their app has been licensed by a council.

They added: "Since being granted an operator's licence in Gloucester in April 2024, Uber has supported the local economy by expanding transport choice for passengers and creating new earning opportunities for local drivers.

"We also now hold licenses with both Cheltenham and Tewkesbury councils, expanding our services across the county."

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