Hartlepool Borough Council to Decide on Granting Operators Licence to UBER: What’s at Stake for Local Taxi Firms?
- teessidetoday
- Nov 30, 2024
- 3 min read
UBER has been making an increasing presence on the streets of Hartlepool, but local taxi firms claim its squeezing local established taxi firms to the brink ..
30th November 2024
Councillors are reportedly getting set to undertake a critical decision as Hartlepool Borough Council's Regulatory Sub-Committee prepares to deliberate Uber Britannia Limited’s application for a Private Hire Operator Licence on December 5th, 2024. The decision could reportedly bring Uber’s app-based ride-hailing service firmly into Hartlepool, sparking debates about its potential impact on the town’s already well-established taxi firms.
The Proposal
Uber has reportedly applied for a five-year licence to operate in Hartlepool from its base at the Hartlepool Enterprise Centre on Brougham Terrace.
Whilst the application is said to be "broadly compliant" with the council’s Private Hire and Hackney Carriage Licensing Policy according to the report set to go before councillors next week, one key point of contention however remains: Uber reportedly does not plan to maintain a physical booking office. Instead, the company relies on cloud-based systems and app technology to manage bookings, a model that reportedly conflicts with current policy requirements.
The councils regulatory sub-committee must therefore decide whether to make an exception for Uber or uphold the traditional council licensing policy framework, which could mean rejecting the application.
The Stakes for Local Taxi Firms
The potential arrival of Uber has sparked concern among local taxi operators, who fear the competition could threaten their businesses. Here’s what’s at stake:
Pricing Pressures: Uber’s dynamic pricing often undercuts traditional taxi fares, which draws passengers away from local firms.
Driver Retention: Uber’s flexible model and wider reach could attract drivers from existing taxi companies, leaving local firms struggling to maintain their workforce.
Policy Consistency: Traditional firms argue that granting Uber an exception to policy requirements—such as the need for a physical operating base—creates an uneven playing field.
For Hartlepool’s taxi operators, this decision is said to be about more than just competition; it’s about fairness and maintaining their ability to serve the local community effectively.
A Challenging Balancing Act
Hartlepool Borough Council reportedly now faces a challenging balancing act. On one hand, adapting to modern transportation trends could benefit residents by offering more choice, convenience, and potentially lower fares. On the other, granting an exception for Uber could undermine long-standing local operators and spark criticism of preferential treatment.
This case is also said to highlight the need for Hartlepool’s Private Hire and Hackney Carriage Licensing Policy to evolve. App-based platforms like Uber represent a shift in how transport services operate, and existing frameworks may no longer fully address these changes.
What Could Change for Residents?
If Uber’s application is approved, Hartlepool residents could benefit from:
Easier booking through Uber’s app.
Transparent pricing and fare estimates.
Shorter wait times, thanks to Uber’s large network of drivers.
However, local residents may also see reduced availability or even increased fares if smaller operators are unable to compete.
What’s Next?
The Council Regulatory Sub-Committee’s decision on December 5th will be pivotal. Councillors must weigh the benefits of introducing Uber against the potential fallout for Hartlepool’s long-established taxi firms.
The case is also said to underscore the importance of updating council policies to reflect technological advancements while also safeguarding local businesses, with the decision likely to have a significant knock on effect for local drivers, as the market becomes further squeezed.
