Skip to content

Uber seeks drivers after city's 7 year ban lifted

Christine SextonLocal Democracy Reporting Service
News imageLaura Dale/PA The side of a silver car with a black sign on the driver's door saying UBER in white letters against a black rectangle. There is a small embossed sign below saying Zero emission.Laura Dale/PA
Uber was banned from operating in Southend in 2018 by the local authority

The taxi firm Uber is searching for drivers after being given the green light to operate in a coastal city for the first time since 2018.

The decision by Southend Council grants Uber Britannia Limited a five-year private hire operator's licence, ending a seven-year ban.

The company says the move will provide "greater, affordable transport options" and new earning opportunities for local drivers.

However, Peter Richmond of Alpine Taxis said local firms are concerned Uber "will try and squeeze everyone out to get a complete and utter monopoly".

The operator was banned by the local authority in 2018 over safety concerns and the impact on existing taxi firms.

On Monday, the council's licensing sub-committee agreed to overturn the ban but imposed strict conditions to ensure safety and compliance.

Every Uber driver licensed in Southend must display official Southend PHV door stickers, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

They must also pass the city's stringent knowledge test, complete safeguarding training, undergo enhanced DBS and medical checks.

Uber will also have to notify the council within 72 hours of any serious complaint, including allegations of misconduct or substance misuse.

Martin Terry, the councillor responsible for community safety, said: "Residents and visitors can have confidence that any Uber driver operating in the city meets the same rigorous checks as all other licensed operators."

News imageGetty Images A close up sign in bright yellow lit up saying TAXI, with the sign reflected in the car's roof.Getty Images
Some local taxi firms are worried Uber will create a monopoly in Southend

Uber confirmed it will soon begin signing up drivers, noting that thousands of passengers have already opened the app in Southend seeking rides.

An Uber spokesperson said the licence "will help us provide passengers with greater, affordable transport options across the area and support the local economy".

"Uber will provide new earning opportunities for local drivers, all of whom have access to industry-leading worker rights and a highly competitive incentives package."

However, local taxi firms have voiced concerns that the company will lower its prices and push out competition.

Peter Richmond of Alpine Taxis said: "The main people who lose at the end of this will be the customers."

Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.