Uber granted licence to operate in Aberdeen

Uber re-applied earlier this year for a licence to operate in Aberdeen

Private hire firm Uber has been granted a licence to operate in Aberdeen.

The company was previously granted permission to launch in the city in 2018, but later surrendered its licence.

Uber officially lodged an application to operate in Aberdeen earlier this year, and it came before the council's licensing committee.

The meeting heard a number of representations of both support and objection, before the application was granted. Uber welcomed the decision.

Uber connects passengers to drivers via an app which uses GPS technology to locate available taxis.

The transport giant already operates in Glasgow and Edinburgh.

An Uber delegation told the Aberdeen meeting they were committed to safety, and only used licensed drivers.

Matthew Freckelton, head of cities for UK Uber, told the meeting they would look to get drivers from the existing supply of Aberdeen licensed drivers.

"And we will look to increase the supply of drivers, by encouraging new applicants," he added.

Matthew Freckelton of Uber spoke at the meeting

Adrian Watson, chief executive of business improvement body Aberdeen Inspired, said there was a lack of taxi provision in the city.

He said Uber would be a "step forward" in tackling the resulting challenges.

The meeting rejected a call from a taxi trade delegation for more scrutiny on the implications of the application.

Uber said afterwards: "This decision will help boost earning opportunities for drivers, provide passengers with greater transport options across the city and support the local economy.

"All drivers will have access to industry leading worker rights such as holiday pay and a pension, as well as formal representation through the GMB union.”