The High Peak Taxi Trade Association has called on High Peak Borough Council to take urgent action against Uber, claiming the company is operating in the borough without holding a local operator’s licence.
The association argues that this creates an “unfair and unsafe environment” for both passengers and local drivers, many of whom are excluded from working through Uber’s platform despite being licensed in High Peak.
A spokesperson for the group said:
“We’re not asking for special treatment – we’re asking for fairness. If Uber wants to operate here, it should hold a High Peak operator’s licence like every other firm, so vehicles are properly vetted and the company is accountable to local standards.”
Local Drivers “Squeezed Out”
According to the association, drivers who comply with High Peak’s licensing rules are losing work to Uber vehicles licensed elsewhere, while repeated complaints to the council have so far gone unanswered.
The group insists the solution is simple: require Uber to apply for and obtain a High Peak private hire operator’s licence.
“Drivers who play by the rules are being squeezed out. High Peak Borough Council must act to protect both local livelihoods and passenger safety,” the spokesperson added.
Council and Uber Respond
High Peak Borough Council confirmed it is looking into the matter. Councillor Fiona Sloman, the council’s executive member for licensing, said:
“The issue has only just been brought to the council’s attention so we will need time to investigate before we’re able to provide a fuller response.”
Uber, however, defended its operations. A company spokesperson stated that Uber follows the same industry regulations as all private hire operators and that its drivers are properly licensed.
They explained that under current law, drivers licensed in England and Wales may legally carry out bookings anywhere, as long as the journey is pre-booked and the driver, vehicle, and operator are all licensed by the same authority.
The spokesperson added:
“Every driver on our app is licensed by a local council, and we engage closely with councils across the country regardless of whether Uber holds an operator’s licence in that area.”
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