Windsor taxi drivers challenge rising fees and Uber’s presence

Taxi drivers in Windsor and Maidenhead are voicing their concerns over an increase in licensing fees and the growing competition from Uber drivers operating in the borough. The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM) has announced a change in the licensing structure, switching from an annual fee of £100 to a three-year licence costing £336, amounting to an additional £12 per year.

The issue of rising costs and stricter regulations is not unique to Windsor and Maidenhead. Similar challenges have been reported in other parts of the country, including the London black cab industry, which faces rising costs and restrictions. Many drivers argue that increasing expenses and regulatory changes are making it harder to sustain their livelihoods.

During a council meeting on Monday, local drivers criticised the borough for allowing Transport for London (TfL) licensed Uber drivers to operate in the area without paying the same local licensing fees. They argue this creates unfair competition, impacting their earnings.

Increased Licence Fees and Budget Shortfall

RBWM has defended the decision to raise fees, citing financial constraints. According to the council, licensing fees have remained unchanged since 2011, and the new increase is necessary to address an expected £23,000 shortfall in the licensing service budget for 2025/26.

Local taxi drivers have expressed frustration over the additional costs, highlighting their own financial struggles.

Sultan Jaffri, a representative for taxi drivers in Windsor and Maidenhead, stated:

"I understand that we’re in a position where the council budget is tight and so is ours. Please can you have some consideration to the rise of 12 per cent."

Uber’s Presence in Windsor and Maidenhead

A key concern among taxi drivers is the presence of Uber drivers from outside the borough who are licensed by TfL but still operate within Windsor and Maidenhead. Unlike locally licensed taxi drivers, these Uber drivers are not subject to the borough’s licensing fees, leading to complaints about an uneven playing field.

Jaffri further added:

"The main loss of revenue to the council is having TfL-operated vehicles in the borough working for Uber – not having the vehicle licensed by RBWM."

Some local taxi firms have called for the borough to follow the example of Reading, which refused to issue an operating licence for Uber. However, council representatives have indicated that legal limitations prevent them from restricting Uber’s operations.

Greg Nelson, Trading Standards and Licensing Manager at RBWM, explained that the council does not have the authority to prohibit Uber drivers licensed elsewhere from operating in the borough.

Stricter Penalty System for Taxi Drivers

In addition to the licensing fee increase, the council also approved changes to its penalty points system, making it more stringent for taxi drivers. Under the revised policy, drivers who accumulate 12 penalty points will now face a review over a three-year period, instead of the previous one-year timeframe.

Penalty points are issued for infractions such as improper parking, mistreatment of customers, and other violations. Taxi drivers argue that this change is unfair and makes it easier for them to reach the disciplinary threshold.

Councillor Gurch Singh of St Mary’s ward commented on the decision, stating:

"As a borough, we have quite a high standard of drivers. I would say we’ve got some of the best drivers in the country. I’m not too worried about this points system."

"What this policy will do effectively is keep the drivers on their toes and will allow residents to know we take drivers’ standard and driver behaviour very seriously."

Despite objections from local taxi representatives, the council maintains that the revised policies aim to uphold service quality and ensure fair enforcement of regulations.