A Wolverhampton-licensed Uber driver has sparked outrage among local cabbies in Tamworth after being filmed asleep in a taxi rank with a bottle of Corona beer next to his vehicle.
The incident was reported to DM News by local taxi driver Roger Tomlinson, who said he was working the night shift on Saturday when he spotted the Uber parked on the rank.
“Basically, I was doing the night shift on Saturday and noticed this Uber-operated vehicle parked on our rank at about 5.30am,” Roger explained.
“I picked up just after and went to the airport. When I came back from my jobs around 7am, the same vehicle was still there in the same position. I drove past and peered in and noticed the geezer asleep on the back seat, a bottle of Corona on the kerb – hence the video. Like I said before, he had no right to be on my rank.”
Taxi Rank Concerns
Tamworth drivers have long raised concerns about Wolverhampton-licensed private hire vehicles working in their town. The issue of out-of-town drivers operating under different council licences has been a heated debate across the Midlands, with local operators saying it undercuts their trade and creates enforcement challenges.
The added fact that the Uber driver appeared to be sleeping in the vehicle, with alcohol nearby, has further angered local drivers.
Safety & Licensing Questions
While it is not confirmed whether the driver had consumed alcohol, the presence of the bottle has raised questions about safety and professional standards. Licensed taxi drivers in Tamworth undergo strict checks and must follow local bylaws, including not occupying taxi ranks reserved for hackney carriage drivers.
Private hire drivers, such as those operating through Uber, are not permitted to use taxi ranks and must only pick up passengers through pre-booked jobs.
Local Frustration
Roger said incidents like this highlight ongoing tensions between Wolverhampton-licensed Uber vehicles and Tamworth’s own licensed drivers.
“This isn’t just about the rank – it’s about safety, reputation, and fairness,” he told DM News. “We work hard to follow the rules, and then you see things like this.”
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