Brighton is the latest to revoke the car-hailing service’s license. Here’s why…
It’s official: Uber’s application for a new license in Brighton has been rejected by Brighton and Hove City Council on the basis that the company is not a “fit and proper” private car hire operator.
Councillor Jacqui O’Quinn explained the decision, saying: “Our priority is the safety of residents and visitors and, due to the data breach and the lack of commitment to using drivers licensed here, we were not satisfied that UBL (Uber Britannia Limited) are a fit and proper person to hold an operator’s licence.”
She added: “All Brighton and Hove private hire and Hackney Carriage drivers in the city operate under the same licences and guidelines contained in the Blue Book and undergo the same background checks, whichever company they drive for.
“In the original application in 2015, UBL gave a firm commitment to adhere to the standards set out in the Blue Book and only to use Brighton & Hove licensed drivers. We do not feel the spirit of this commitment has been kept to.
“In the panel’s view, large numbers of taxis operating in the city that do not meet our Blue Book standards puts the safety of residents and visitors at potential risk.
“We recognise there are strong feelings on this issue and would like to thank all those who took the time to make submissions to the hearing.”
“Our priority is the safety of residents and visitors”
The announcement comes months after Transport for London (London’s transport regulator) decided to strip the firm of its license, based on concerns about Uber’s “approach and conduct” and passenger safety.
Speaking about the move last September, TfL concluded that Uber had shown “a lack of corporate responsibility” with regard to potential safety and security issues.
“Private hire operators must meet rigorous regulations, and demonstrate to TfL that they do so, in order to operate,” said TfL in a statement.
They added: “TfL has concluded that Uber London Limited is not fit and proper to hold a private hire operator license.”
Uber has announced its intention to appeal both London and Brighton’s “disappointing” decisions.
Addressing Brighton’s ban on their cars, a spokesman for the company said: “This is a disappointing decision for the thousands of passengers and drivers who rely on our app in Brighton and Hove.
“We intend to appeal so we can continue serving the city.”
Uber is licensed to operate in 80 areas across the UK, having succeeded with 35 applications in the last year, including in Cambridge, Glasgow, Nottingham, Leicester and Sheffield.
The firm – which has also seen its license to operate revoked in York – has since taken steps to comply with various initiatives in London to improve safety, and its appeal against TfL is due to be heard in the high court in June.
However, it emerged last November that Uber, which has 75 million users across the world, had concealed a hack that affected 57 million customers and driversin 2016.
It was hidden by the company which paid hackers a ransom of $100,000 (£75,000) to delete the data.
At the time, Uber’s chief executive Dara Khosrowshahi told the BBC: “None of this should have happened, and I will not make excuses for it.
TAXI LEAKS EXTRA BIT : by Jim Thomas.
IN THEIR DREAMS....PULLING THE WOOL OVER THE MEDIA'S EYES
IN REALITY : Juma Ali Omar, 43, of Barking was charged with dangerous driving on 6 April.
He is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court today.
Omar has also been charged with possessing identity documents with intent, using a motor vehicle without third party insurance and driving a motor vehicle otherwise than in accordance with a licence.
When this news broke in the national press, Helen Chapman said that all 13,000 would be required to resubmit their DBS checks. Only 2,600 did this and TfL have not insisted on the other 10,400 taking action. Instead they feel it's ok to have all these drivers out there with no criminal record checks saying that the matter will sort itself when they need to relicense in three years time.
Another three years with 10,400 unchecked drivers like Juma Ali Omar out there ???
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