Calls to ensure cab firm does not have ‘monopoly’

A ROW over Uber taxis in the country’s capital has taken a new turn amid calls for the number of drivers to be capped to ensure “healthy competition” and consumer choice.

Rival minicab app Kabbee has said there must be a limit on the proportion of drivers overseen by one company, adding that Uber’s licence should be restored if it addresses concerns.

The company had been told last month its license was being refused by Transport for London (TfL) on the grounds of “public safety and security implications”.

Uber has pledged to appeal against the decision, and more than 830,000 people have signed a petition against it.

Now Kabbee chief executive Justin Peters has written to London mayor and TfL chairman Sadiq Khan, warning it is “very dangerous” to allow a private company to hold a monopoly in the transport sector.

“There should be a cap on the overall percentage of the minicab driver supply that can be overseen by an individual company,” he said.

“This will ensure healthy competition and consumer choice forever.

“I am guessing this would also reflect the desired outcome of the Government too.”

Theresa May last week described the proposed outlawing of Uber in London as a “disproportionate” move that puts thousands of jobs at risk.

Uber’s new chief executive Dara Khosrowshahi will meet TfL commissioner Mike Brown on Tuesday to discuss the licence renewal.

Mr Khosrowshahi has apologised for “the mistakes we’ve made” and accepted that the company had “got things wrong”.

“We’re proud to have brought more choice and competition to this industry,” a spokesman said. “With Uber, licensed drivers can choose if, when and where they drive and are totally free to work with other operators in London too.”

Authorities across the country confirmed as the news broke they were keeping a “close eye” on the ongoing dispute.

In Yorkshire, Uber operates in York, Bradford, Leeds and Sheffield, employing 900 drivers in Leeds and 500 in Bradford.