Uber has been granted a licence to operate private hire cars in Darlington. 

Darlington Borough Council’s licensing committee voted to approve the application today (Tuesday, August 13). 

The company’s licence includes a condition ordering all drivers to undergo the same training as other company and Hackney Carriage drivers. 

Taxi drivers in Darlington had urged the local authority to ensure private hire drivers sign up to the same regulations after warning they could struggle to compete with the influx of new drivers. 

One taxi driver currently working in the town said Uber’s heavily discounted fares are pricing out cabbies. Harry Smith 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.”

Despite not having a licence in the town, Uber drivers from elsewhere have been allowed to operate legally using licences granted in Newcastle, Durham, Stockton, and Middlesbrough. 

Uber journeys are booked through an online ride-hailing app and drivers will now be able to sign up with Darlington Borough Council. 

At Darlington Town Hall on Tuesday, councillors questioned licensing officers on their plans to regulate the new private-hire drivers. 

“How will the council deal with Uber issues,” asked councillor Ian Haszeldine. “Will it have the power to stop and check Uber drivers?”

Colin Dobson, licensing manager, said Uber will work under the same framework as its current licensed vehicles. He added: “They’re licensed by the same standards and policy. It’s really business as usual and it’s no different to any other private operator that comes into Darlington.”

Uber said it follows local authority standards to ensure all vehicles are fit for purpose and safe to transport passengers. A 24-hour helpline is available to passengers via phone, app, and online. 

The meeting heard how some Uber cars are more identifiable than others because of the amount of clear signage due to differing conditions within each local authority. 

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Meanwhile, councillor Sonia Kane said it was a “shame” that Uber has no plans to allow people to book by phone. 

However, the committee voted to approve the application. 

Cllr Kane said: “We’re happy to grant the licence with one condition: all Uber drivers undergo the same training, that way we can assure they’re all on the same page.”