Uber competition raises concerns for Peterborough taxi drivers

Traditional black cab drivers in Peterborough are voicing their concerns about unfair competition, claiming that some Uber drivers are violating local regulations at the city's railway station. Similar concerns have been raised in other parts of the UK, with taxi drivers protesting fee hikes and Uber competition in Windsor.

Mahmood Khan, a taxi driver with over 40 years of experience, and fellow cabbie Jake Carter, allege that Uber drivers are waiting at the station without pre-booked fares, which is against the rules. This, they say, leads to an unfair advantage, as arriving passengers often opt for Uber, believing it to be a readily available and more affordable option.

Carter stated:

"We don’t have a problem with competition. However, some of the things that some drivers are doing is breaching the rules, which is hindering what we can do."

Financial and Safety Concerns for Black Cab Drivers

Peterborough’s black cab drivers must pay £2,000 annually for a licence to operate at the station taxi rank. Their vehicles are also significantly more expensive to purchase and maintain compared to private hire vehicles.

Carter explained:

"For the past six months, it has been very difficult for us. People getting off the trains can see there are Ubers in the car park waiting – when private hire vehicles should not be waiting like that, unless they have a pre-booked fare."

Additionally, Khan highlighted the growing number of black cab drivers leaving the trade due to financial pressures and reduced business opportunities. The decline of Peterborough's nightlife and events, such as the closure of the Showground, has further worsened the situation.

Khan noted:

"It is becoming increasingly difficult for hackney carriage drivers in Peterborough, with the closure of the Showground, the lack of a night-time economy like there was a few years ago, and other things disappearing from the city."

Uber's Response to Regulatory Concerns

Uber has addressed the concerns raised by black cab drivers, emphasizing its commitment to adhering to local regulations. The company reaffirmed that all private hire trips must be pre-booked, and drivers who fail to comply risk being permanently removed from the platform.

An Uber spokesperson stated:

"All drivers must adhere to the high standards set across the industry and the regulations of the local authority. All private-hire trips in the UK must be pre-booked and any driver found picking up unbooked trips will permanently lose access to the app."

Despite these assurances, black cab drivers continue to call for stricter enforcement of existing regulations, as they fear for the long-term viability of their trade.