Uber have been stripped of the license to operate in London due to concerns over passenger safety.

A report by TFL identified that a change to Uber’s systems allowed unauthorised drivers to upload their photos to the accounts of other drivers, allowing them to pick up passengers instead of the booked driver. This resulted in at least 14,000 trips in which the driver was not the person who held the Uber account, putting passenger safety and security at risk.

Uber are allowed to continue to operate in London, and therefore Medway, until they have exhausted their right to appeal.

Cllr Dan McDonald, Medway Labour & Co-operative Licensing spokesperson said, ‘The decision taken by Medway Council to support the Medway Licensed Taxi Driver Association (MLTDA) with legal action against Uber undoubtedly sent a message to other councils across the UK – Uber will have to play by the rules if they want to continue operating in our communities.

‘As local councillors, the safety of our residents must come first. Despite being given the opportunity to improve, Uber have not done enough to ensure that their drivers are licensed and insured.

‘Uber has been operating illegally here in Medway, and suspicions that they operate unsafely have now been confirmed. Rules and regulations are in place for good reason, and Uber are choosing not to comply with them – this is simply not good enough.

‘I understand that this decision may be unpopular with Uber customers in Medway, but this is a direct result of Uber choosing to not play by the rules and putting customer safety at risk.

‘This is an opportunity now for Medway Council to stand by our licensed taxi drivers and stand up for our residents’ safety, and either force Uber to comply with the law or force them to leave Medway for good.’

Background to these events can be found here:

https://www.medwaylabour.org.uk/cross-party-support-for-labour-motion-on-levelling-the-playing-field-for-taxis/

https://www.medwaylabour.org.uk/medway-labour-motion-on-uber-passed-at-council/

https://www.medwaylabour.org.uk/medway-labour-motion-to-take-action-on-uber/

MLTDA’s website can be found here: https://www.mltda.uk/