A local taxi company owner in Cumbria says he may be forced out of business after Westmorland and Furness Council approved a private hire operator licence for Uber.
Uber Now Licensed in South Cumbria
Although Uber has previously operated in Westmorland and Furness using licences from other councils, this new approval means the ride-hailing giant is now officially licensed to operate directly in the district.
The decision was made by the council’s regulatory committee on Thursday 11 September, allowing Uber to set up a base at Ulverston Business Centre on Market Street.
According to an Uber representative, the number of staff working from the site will be “based on level of demand”. The company added that it was “consistently trying to grow the marketplace, but in a balanced way”, though it did not provide an upper limit on the number of drivers it could employ.
Local Taxi Boss: “I’ll Be Out of Business”
The move has caused anger among independent operators, who fear losing out to the global firm.
Allan Hamilton, who owns Able & Station Taxis in Penrith, said:
“I can probably see myself going out of business. The decision is disgusting and made with no consultation. They are just giving our work away to Uber, which is basically a middle man.”
Hamilton argued that local drivers bring something Uber cannot replicate: knowledge and trust.
“Local knowledge is invaluable — drivers know the short cuts and the best way around places. That builds trust with customers,” he said.
Council Defends Decision
Westmorland and Furness Council defended its decision, saying it had to apply licensing laws fairly.
A council spokesperson said:
“Our role is to apply licensing laws consistently and fairly to all operators. Uber’s application met the required standards.”
While private hire licences are usually granted for up to five years, Uber was given a shorter three-year licence “to allow for local oversight”.
Additional conditions have also been imposed, including a complaints protocol and requirements for staff training.
Independent Operators Left in Limbo
Despite these safeguards, local cabbies remain concerned that Uber’s arrival could destabilise the trade across south Cumbria.
For operators like Hamilton, the fear is clear:
“Once Uber gets a foothold, that could be the end for many of us.”
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