Uber’s Operations at Gatwick Airport Spark Legal and Industry Debate

Gatwick taxi drivers have expressed frustration after Crawley Borough Council dismissed their complaint against Uber, which they claim is operating unlawfully from the airport. Local drivers argued that Uber cars registered in London were taking a significant share of fares, impacting their livelihoods. However, after a formal review and legal consultation, the council determined there was no legal basis for action against the ride-hailing company.

The dispute centers on claims that Uber drivers were using the airport's car parks to wait for bookings, creating what local drivers referred to as a ‘virtual rank.’ This, they argued, effectively allowed Uber to dominate airport pickups at the expense of licensed Gatwick taxi services. Unite the Union supported the drivers, emphasizing the financial hardship caused by the competition.

Legal expert Philip Kolvin KC reviewed the matter and advised the council that Uber’s practices were not illegal. He stated that Uber’s method of organizing vehicles in designated waiting areas was not a breach of licensing laws. Additionally, concerns regarding signage directing passengers to Uber pickup points were also dismissed. His findings indicated that Uber was not operating in Crawley and that there was no viable legal case to pursue against the company.

Kolvin's report did not sit well with taxi drivers, who insisted that Uber was visibly active in the area. Their frustration was heightened when a council member was seen arriving at a previous meeting in an Uber. This comes as Uber partners with Gatwick for a seamless travel campaign, further solidifying its presence at the airport.

Nick Venes, a licensed taxi driver and Unite representative, stated:

"To turn round and say that they do not operate in Crawley…I think I must be living in cuckoo land. We know they operate – we see them every day."

Council members also expressed concern about the situation but acknowledged that their hands were tied. Leader Michael Jones highlighted the challenges posed by outdated legislation.

Michael Jones stated:

"It is most certainly a case where legislation has not kept up with technology."

He further added:

"We regretfully end up in a position where the legal advice is almost completely unequivocal. There is no prospect of successfully challenging these activities. It would require a change in legislation to prevent what is happening, and that is not something this council has any power over. This must be taken up with those in Parliament."

Conservative leader Duncan Crow echoed this sentiment, pointing out discrepancies between legal technicalities and fairness.

Duncan Crow remarked:

"There is a chasm between the letter of the law and the spirit of the law."

With legal avenues seemingly exhausted, some council members suggested that drivers escalate their complaint to the Local Government & Social Care Ombudsman. However, given that the council was following expert legal advice, the likelihood of a favorable outcome remained uncertain.

Committee chair Imran Ashraf assured that efforts to raise concerns with government bodies, including Transport for London, would continue, though previous communications had not received responses.

"We regretfully end up in a position where the legal advice is almost completely unequivocal."

Despite the council’s decision, Gatwick taxi drivers remain adamant that Uber's presence is disrupting their industry. Without changes to current legislation, their struggle against ride-hailing services continues.