Council to consider Uber's taxi licence in Darlington

Darlington Borough Council’s licensing committee will consider the online ride-hailing firm’s application tomorrow (Tuesday, August 13). 

Taxi drivers in the town have spoken out against the application, warning they could struggle to compete with an influx of drivers. 

Uber drivers can already operate in Darlington because the firm holds licences in Durham, Stockton, and Middlesbrough. 

But the global firm now hopes to secure a licence to operate in the borough permanently. 

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. 

Taxi drivers in the town have spoken out against the application, warning they could struggle to compete with an influx of drivers. (Image: The Northern Echo)

Harry Smith, a taxi driver in the town, said: “As soon as Uber comes here permanently they’re going to flood the town with daft amounts of taxis from outside the area. That is going to force us out."

Mr Smith, who often picks up passengers at Darlington Railway Station, 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.”

Committee members will consider three options when deciding whether to approve the application: grant the licence with standard conditions; grant the licence with additional conditions; or refuse the licence. 

Responding to taxi drivers’ concerns, Darlington Borough Council said the application will be considered through its official process. A spokesman added: “This will be in line with licensing legislation and the council’s own licensing policies. No decision has been made yet.”

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Meanwhile, Uber defended its operation despite the concerns. 

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.”