Somerset, UK – February 2025 – Somerset Taxi Licensing has issued a statement addressing concerns over the presence of Uber vehicles operating within the county. Reports have surfaced of vehicles licensed by other councils being spotted at railway stations and other locations across Somerset, prompting questions about their legality.
The licensing authority has clarified that private hire vehicles licensed outside Somerset are not permitted to ‘ply for hire’ within the county. This means that they cannot wait at ranks or accept immediate fares from the public without a prior booking. However, a recent court ruling has established that simply being visible in a location where app-based bookings occur does not legally constitute plying for hire.
The ruling referenced is UTAG v TfL & Transopco UK Ltd [2022] EWCA Civ 1026, in which the courts determined that a vehicle waiting in a particular area for app-based bookings does not breach the law. Additionally, the case of Cogley v Sherwood [1959] 2 QB 311 reinforced the definition of plying for hire, specifying that it involves openly exhibiting a vehicle for immediate hire by the public.
One key question that has arisen is whether Uber holds a private hire operator licence in Somerset. The licensing authority confirmed that Uber does not possess such a licence within the county. However, under UK law, a private hire operator licensed by any local authority can legally accept and fulfil bookings that start and end anywhere in the country, regardless of where the operator is based.
This clarification underscores the evolving nature of private hire regulations, particularly as ride-hailing platforms continue to reshape the landscape of public transport. Somerset authorities have advised residents and passengers to remain aware of licensing laws when booking private hire vehicles, ensuring that their journeys comply with legal requirements.
For further details on the legal rulings, individuals can refer to the full judgment of UTAG v TfL and relevant case law on private hire operations.
