Medway Labour’s motion requesting that the council seek advice on the legality of Uber operating in Medway was passed at Council on Thursday.

The meeting was attended by hundreds of local licensed taxi drivers from the Medway Licensed Taxi Drivers Association (MLTDA).

Cllr Dan McDonald, Councillor for Gillingham South and Medway Labour Spokesperson for Licensing, who proposed the motion said, ‘Cross-party support for our motion is a good start, but Medway Council must send a strong message to Uber that they need to play by the rules or get out of Medway.

‘It’s been a pleasure working with the MLTDA, who are passionate about their trade and are currently working hard to modernise in order to compete with companies such as Uber.

‘I want to pay tribute to all of the licensed taxi drivers in Medway who play by the rules, and those who gave up their time to attend the meeting on Thursday to support our motion.’

Cllr Teresa Murray, Medway Labour Group Deputy Leader who seconded the motion said, ‘In 2014 I raised a similar motion regarding out-of-town taxis operating in Medway. The Conservative administration enthusiastically agreed to address the issue and work with the Medway Licensed Taxi Drivers Association to find a sustainable solution, but after five years no such action has been forthcoming.

‘Considering that the Medway Conservatives have proven themselves to be full of hot air on this issue in the past, it’s imperative that they are held to account and face consequences for making empty promises.’

Read more about the issue: https://www.medwaylabour.org.uk/medway-labour-motion-to-take-action-on-uber/

The motion agreed on Thursday reads as follows:

Medway Labour Group motion to Council:
Enforcement of Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976, Section 46 (1) (d).

Council acknowledges the document recently submitted by the Medway Licensed Taxi Driver Association (MLTDA) to Council officers.

The 15 page report contains legal opinion on the operation of Uber within Medway.

Council instructs officers to:

• Seek their own independent legal opinion on the operation of Uber in Medway;
• Meet with the MLTDA to discuss these legal opinions in a constructive manner;
• In the event of broad similarity in legal opinion, to take the appropriate action to cease and desist operations which are not in accordance with Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976, Section 46 (1) (d)

The motion agreed in October 2014 reads as follows:

Medway Council notes concerns that private hire vehicles from outside Medway are operating in Medway.

Council believes that employment should not be discouraged, but recognises there may be safety concerns over out-of-area drivers operating in Medway.

Council resolves to work with the Medway Licensed Taxi Drivers Association in finding a sustainable and legal solution.

https://democracy.medway.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=122&MId=2972