Council bosses launch warning over Uber taxis

CUSTOMERS using Uber taxis in Coventry could be putting themselves at risk, council bosses have warned.

Thanks to a loophole, Uber cabs can pick up fares in Coventry despite not being licensed to operate in the city.

That means an accident could potentially leave passengers uninsured.

Uber drivers licensed in Wolverhampton and Birmingham have been spotted around the city, prompting criticism from Coventry councillors.

Cllr Jayne Innes, cabinet member for City Services explained the loophole which allows Uber taxis to operate within the city boundaries, and the risk that this poses.

She said: “Uber is not registered to operate in the city.

“Our bar is set much higher than our neighbouring cities, and we want to provide a much higher standard of service to our residents.

“But the company’s tax model allows them to make advance bookings, and pick up fares in the city. However, if you get involved in an accident in an Uber in Coventry and it was not prebooked, you might not be covered by insurance.”

Cllr Damian Gannon, a member of the licensing and regulatory committee, urged neighbouring Wolverhampton Council to take action, saying: “There is no doubt that Uber provides a cheap and convenient service for their customers however not many people know that they are able to provide this service by exploiting loopholes in current licensing regulations. This means we have a crazy situation where Uber drivers can get a licence in Wolverhampton but can operate in Coventry.

“This not only creates an unfair playing field for the city’s local trade but also means that the high standards we apply in Coventry are not necessarily being met.

“What is worrying is that it has been reported that there have been several instances across the country where taxi drivers who have been banned by local authorities have been able to continue work because they have registered with Uber and got a licence from elsewhere.

“We don’t want that in Coventry but at the moment the Council is powerless to stop it from happening. Equally, Wolverhampton Council also needs to recognise this problem and work with neighbouring authorities to create a system that means that the private hire trade remains accountable to the local communities they serve.”

Uber recently came under the spotlight in London, as they lost itslicense to operate.

Transport for London came to this conclusion on the grounds of “public safety and security implications”.

However, the firm will continue to be allowed to operate pending an appeal, though Cllr Innes has welcomed the decision, saying: “I want to have more control over the quality of taxi firms. London is therefore a step in the right direction.”