Deregulation Act under threat as Uber protests gather pace in several cities

Growing protests against Uber drivers operating in areas where the company is not licensed are likely to put pressure on the new UK Government to take another look at the Deregulation Act, which allows cross-border hires.

Angry drivers in Crawley, Blackpool, York and other towns have held protests against what they claim are unfair out-of-area pick-ups by Uber – even though it is allowed to do so under the 2015 Deregulation Act.

The groundswell of protests adds to pressure coming from local councils upset at drivers getting licensed out of their areas, mainly in Wolverhampton.

Gatwick Airport taxi and private hire vehicle drivers have held protests against Crawley Council, accusing it of failing to enforce local licensing laws against Uber.

The drivers are angry about changes at Gatwick airport, where designated Uber bays have been set up and Uber services are being prominently advertised.

Unite the Union said Uber vehicles licensed with Transport for London are operating in Crawley without adhering to local licensing regulations.

Dominic Rothwell, regional officer for Unite the Union, demanded that Crawley Council take immediate action to protect local trade.

He said: “The council needs to release its promised investigation into Uber’s behaviour and crack down on both the company and Gatwick airport, both of which are in direct contravention of the council’s licensing laws.”

A Crawley Council spokesperson said: “We are aware of the complaint and have been actively investigating. As this is a live investigation, we are unable to make further comment.”

Similar protests were held in the Lancashire seaside town of Blackpool, where local taxis brought traffic to a halt on June 12 in protest against Uber drivers operating in the town.

Local drivers claim Uber is operating in Blackpool without a license, and that its drivers have been illegally using taxi ranks. Blackpool Council confirmed it was seeking legal advice, and that Uber was not licensed in Blackpool.

Uber said it was operating legally in Blackpool with licenses obtained from different areas of the UK, and said its drivers were blocked from picking up in designated taxi bays.

A council spokesperson said: “Uber is not licensed by Blackpool Council. We are seeking legal opinion as we are conscious that the legal framework around taxi legislation is outdated and requires review.”

Meanwhile in York, drivers protested outside council offices after Uber was granted a license to operate in the city. Uber previously had its York licence revoked 2017, though Uber drivers from other areas have been allowed to operate legally in York.