Uber granted licence in resort despite opposition

Blackpool Council will be able to monitor and inspect Uber drivers who are licensed with them

Taxi operator Uber has been formally granted a licence by a seaside town's council to pick up passengers.

The decision was made by Blackpool licensing officers after the company fulfilled all the criteria for a private hire operator’s licence.

Uber drivers had already been plying for trade in Blackpool, but were licensed by other local authorities – mainly Wolverhampton, but now drivers will be able to register with Uber to work under the new Blackpool licence.

There have been complaints from existing cabbies in the town of Uber drivers allegedly acting irresponsibly.

In June, drivers from established taxi firms, including C-Cabs, Premier Cabs and Blacktax, joined a town centre protest against the influx of out-of-town drivers.

Councillor Paula Burdess, cabinet member for community safety, street scene and neighbourhoods, gave a statement to full council saying the licence had been granted to Uber as there was nothing to “call into question the fitness and propriety of the applicant”.

She said: “In circumstances where these criteria are met we have a legal duty to issue the licence, which is exactly what has happened in this case.”

'Legally allowed'

It also means Blackpool Council will be able to monitor and inspect Uber drivers who are licensed with them.

Ms Burdess added: “The issues raised by local taxi drivers about drivers licensed outside of the area could not lawfully be considered in relation to this application.

"This application was purely about Uber’s suitability to hold an operator’s licence.”

Earlier this year, Blackpool Council along with Wyre and Fylde councils produced a leaflet aimed at dispelling some of the common myths around out-of-town taxis.

Ms Burdess said: “I know that the arrival of Uber in Blackpool is worrying for the existing taxi trade.

"Independent retailers and hoteliers have faced the same concerns over the years when national and international companies have started operating here.

“There is nothing we can do, or should do, to stop businesses coming to Blackpool if they are legally allowed to and are operating within the law."