Taxi drivers' concern over rise of Uber

Lincoln taxi driver, Amy Sylvester, said she has noticed a drop in customers since Uber's arrival

Taxi drivers in Lincoln have said they are concerned about the rise of Uber in the city.

Anyone who drives for a Lincoln-based firm is subject to checks and licences issued by the City of Lincoln Council.

However, one local taxi firm said it was worried Uber drivers "are not known to the council" as they obtain licences elsewhere.

Uber, which customers book using an app, said all its private hire licences are issued by a local council.

Some Uber drivers have obtained their licence in Wolverhampton about 100 miles from Lincoln

'Like a ghost'

Amy Sylvester, 37, works for city-based taxi firm A2B and believes Uber drivers in Lincoln have not “jumped through the same hoops” compared to local companies.

Ultimately, Ms Sylvester is concerned the rise of Uber could cost her job.

“We do not know who these drivers are and where they have come from," she said. "If anything went wrong, who should people go to?

“They are like a ghost.”

Lincoln taxi driver Vladimir Kubjatko says he understands the appeal of Uber but there is widespread concern

Vladimir Kubjatko, 39, also works for A2B taxis and believes Uber has had an impact across the country.

He said: "More Ubers in Lincoln will impact every local taxi firm."

Adam is an Uber driver but says he is 'still local'

Adam is an Uber driver working in Lincoln and has said he obtained his licence in Wolverhampton as he could not get one with City of Lincoln Council.

“I would love to get local plates on my car, but it is just not an option for me unfortunately," he said.

“It would save me going to Wolverhampton every year to renew my badges,” he added.

Adam wants to assure people that although he may not have a local licence, he has gone through rigourous checks and tests.

Simon Colburn, assistant director for health and environmental services at City of Lincoln Council, said: "Uber holds several private hire operator licences, and dispatches drivers and vehicles in accordance with the 'triple licence' rule."

"This means the operator, vehicle and driver must all be properly licensed by the same licensing authority."

He added: "Uber can dispatch bookings to licensed drivers whilst they are outside of their licensing area. This is a national regulation set by the UK government."

Uber says all its drivers hold a private hire licence issued by a local council

An Uber spokesperson said: “Uber operates according to the high standards set across the industry and abides by the same regulations as all other private hire operators."

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