Darlington taxi drivers' concern over rise of Uber

The private hire company’s request is currently being considered by Darlington Borough Council and will be decided in August.

Drivers in the town are subjected to checks and licences issued by Darlington Borough Council. 

However, Hackney Carriage operators warned Uber drivers could “flood” the town if its licence is approved.

Darlington taxi drivers have said they are concerned about the rise of Uber in the town. (Image: The Northern Echo)

Darlington Borough Council has been urged to ensure private hire drivers sign up to the same regulations as Hackney Carriage workers if the licence is approved. 

Drivers say news of the global firm’s application has not come as a shock though because several Uber drivers already operate in the town. 

Uber vehicles, which customers book using an app, travel through Darlington from Durham, Stockton, and Newcastle, as they can lawfully take cross-border bookings. Now, the global operator wants to establish a permanent presence.

“As soon as Uber comes here permanently they’re going to flood the town with daft amounts of taxis from outside the area,” said Harry Smith, who works out of Darlington Station. “That is going to force us out.”

Mr Smith, who drives one of the red taxis associated with the town, said local drivers have had to diversify to keep up with the competition from firms like Uber.

He added: “The market is tough, there are people at the station who only do around £40 a day. As a Hackney Carriage driver that’s not really enough to get by.”

Drivers based at the railway station said working the school run has become a vital part of their business and say their local knowledge and service cannot be matched by others. They also pointed to the inconsistent prices provided by Uber compared to their rates. 

“In the town, there’s a stigma around taxis where people say we don’t work hard, long enough, or are not good enough but we all do a proper job and are held accountable by the council,” said Mr Smith. “As soon as this transition happens people won’t realise the alligator they’re bringing into the hen house. 

“This is a done deal and there’s no way we can stop this from happening.”

Uber vehicles, which customers book using an app, travel through Darlington from Durham, Stockton, and Newcastle. (Image: The Northern Echo)

Michael Winn, another driver who works out of the station, warned how Hackney Carriage drivers have to “jump through hoops” to complete council-issued tests and said Uber drivers should do the same. 

He said: “We’re not getting new drivers in to drive Hackney Carriages because it’s too hard to do the test. We’ve got to be on a level playing field. 

“It’s ridiculous what’s going on.”

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Darlington Borough Council said Uber’s application will be considered by a licensing committee on August 13. A spokesman added: “This will be in line with licensing legislation and the council’s own licensing policies. No decision has been made yet.”

An Uber spokesman said: “Uber operates according to the high standards set across the industry and abides by the same regulations as all other private hire operators. 

“We look to provide the best possible experience for passengers and engage closely with councils across the country. Uber also leads the industry in providing every driver a pension, holiday pay, and sickness protection.”