Taxi operator Uber will be regulated by the local authority after it was granted a private hire operator licence by Lancaster City Council.
Lancaster City Council has granted a private hire operator’s licence to Uber Britannia Ltd, meaning that the company along with its drivers and vehicles will now fall under local regulation and enforcement powers.
The decision was made after the company fulfilled all criteria required for a private hire operator’s licence.
Until now, Uber drivers operating in and around the Lancaster district were licensed by other local authorities – a legal practice introduced through national deregulation in 2015, which allows private hire drivers to work anywhere in England and Wales, regardless of where they are licensed.
By issuing this new licence, Lancaster City Council say that they will be able to directly monitor, regulate and inspect Uber‑licensed drivers, providing clearer accountability and improved local standards.
Councillor Paul Tynan, Chair of Licensing at Lancaster City Council, said: “There has been understandable concern about Uber drivers operating in the district while licensed elsewhere.
‘’This situation meant the council had limited ability to regulate or intervene locally when issues arose.
“By granting the licence, we now gain the local oversight and control we did not previously have. Uber applied for the licence, and when an applicant meets all application requirements, the council has a statutory duty to issue it.
“We recognise the concerns raised by existing local taxi and private hire drivers, but this decision ensures Uber is regulated in the same way as the other 52 private hire operators currently licensed in the district.
‘’This strengthens our ability to enforce standards, respond to complaints and protect passengers.”
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