Brighton trio who voted to ban Uber have never tried it

UBER has had its licence removed in Brighton as three councillors who voted not to renew it revealed they had never used the app.

The car-hailing service said that it was “a disappointing decision”, and added that it intended to appeal “so we can continue serving the city” after having its private hire operator licence turned down.

The council said the taxi app was not “fit and proper” to hold a licence, citing concerns over a data breach and the use of drivers from outside the area.

None of the three councillors on the licensing panel – Jackie O’quinn of Labour, Lynda Hyde, a Tory, and Lizzie Deane of the Green Party – said they had ever used the app or been in an Uber vehicle.

Brighton council said the recent decision not to renew Uber’s licence was unanimous.

“Our priority is the safety of residents and visitors and, due to the data breach and the lack of commitment to using drivers licensed here, we were not satisfied that UBL [Uber Britannia Limited] are a fit and proper person to hold an operator’s licence,” said Ms O’quinn, chairman of the licensing panel.

An Uber spokesman said: “This is a disappointing decision for the thousands of passengers and drivers who rely on our app in Brighton and Hove. We intend to appeal so we can continue serving the city.”

The company is in the process of appealing the decision last year not to renew its licence in London.