Uber to play by the rules

Uber intends to start operating legally when changes to passenger service vehicle laws come into effect in October

The company has flaunted New Zealand passenger service vehicle laws since launching its ridesharing service in New Zealand, by allowing its drivers to operate without the necessary passenger endorsements.

Uber recently emailed its 4000 New Zealand drivers, saying the company planned to get a small passenger service licence (SPSL), which all drivers would be able to operate under.

Those currently driving for the company without a passenger endorsement were told Uber would guide them through the new process to gain the endorsement.

An Uber spokesman said the company had been in close consultation with the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) and intended to ‘‘comply with the requirements of the new framework when it comes into effect’’.

He said the law changes were a ‘‘positive step forward to modernise New Zealand’s transport laws’’.

Under the new legislation, Uber would have to maintain evidential records showing drivers operating under its SPSL had a passenger endorsement and were complying with work time and logbook requirements, and that their vehicles had a current certificate of fitness.

Outside of those transport specific responsibilities, the law would not specify what the relationship between driver and operator had to be.

NZTA senior manager design Robyn Elston said the agency was actively working with Uber and other operators in advance of the changes taking effect in October.

‘‘Our expectation and understanding is that Uber plans to apply for a small passenger service licence and comply with the requirements.’’

The new requirements were part of changes ‘‘designed to simplify the rules and enable innovation, while maintaining safety for participants’’, she said.

‘‘Outdated provisions have been removed and rules that impose costs on operators but no longer provide significant benefits have also been removed.’’

The changes are part of the Land Transport Amendment Act 2017, passed on August 3.

As of May, NZTA had banned more than 80 Uber drivers from driving commercially, handed out 189 infringement notices and issued 163 official warnings.