Dubbed the ‘e-hailing app’, the Uber App has sparked fierce debate amongst London black cab drivers who deem the use of the new technology in private hire cabs illegal.
First introduced to the UK market on 26th June 2013, the app is targeted at smart phone users. With one click of a button, a driver is sent to your exact location using your mobile’s GPS signal. Thereafter, you can track your driver’s progress, calculate your expected fare (which is automatically billed directly to your on file credit card at the end of your journey) and expect a text message when your car has arrived.
With the Uber brand growing rapidly, The Licensed Taxi Drivers Association (LTDA) has accused the pickup service of breaking the law. The LTDA argues that the app is essentially a taximeter, which is prohibited in private vehicles under the Private Hire Vehicles (London) Act 1998.
Protest
With a demonstration scheduled for 11th June, the LTDA has threatened to cause “severe congestion and traffic chaos for large parts of central London”. The protest has been arranged in response to Transport for London’s (TfL) conclusion that the app is not in fact unlawful.
Following their ruling, TfL’s managing director of surface transport, Leon Daniels, appealed to the London taxi and private hire drivers in a bid “to bring clarity on this issue”. He advised that TfL “will be asking the High Court to provide a binding ruling.”
However, this decision has done little to ease tensions as LTDA general secretary, Steve McNamara, argued: “It is crystal clear Uber are breaching the Private Hire Act. We are being forced to demonstrate. TfL is simply not fit for purpose.”
Contrary to the reaction of London cabbies, Jo Bertram, Manager for Uber London reflected: “We very much welcome TfL’s announcement today bringing clarity and confirming that TfL and Uber fully share the vision that technology should be a key driver in changing the way people are moving around their city, improving the experience for both riders as well as drivers.”