Taxi drivers ask for fairness regarding Uber's operations

The High Peak Taxi Trade Association (HPTTA) has urged High Peak Borough Council to take action over Uber’s operations in Glossop.

Their concerns centre around fairness, safety, and enforcement.

According to the Association, Uber drivers licensed outside the borough are increasingly operating in Glossop, often waiting in town for fares generated by the ride-hailing app. Local Hackney Carriage and private hire drivers, who are licensed by High Peak Borough Council, are unable to join the platform and say that they are losing work as a result.

In a statement, Paul, spokesperson for the HPTTA, said: “We are not asking for special treatment - we are asking for fairness. If Uber wants to operate in Glossop, it should hold a High Peak operator’s licence like every other firm. That way, local drivers could join, Uber would be accountable to local standards, and the public would know all vehicles are properly vetted.

"At present, drivers who play by the rules are being squeezed out, while those licensed elsewhere dominate Glossop. High Peak Borough Council must act to protect both local livelihoods and passenger safety.”

The Association claims repeated complaints to the council’s licensing team have gone unanswered, leaving many drivers frustrated. They argue the solution is simple: require Uber to apply for a High Peak private hire operator’s licence, ensuring all vehicles and drivers meet the same regulatory standards.

Concerns in Glossop mirror disputes seen across the country. Because of a legal loophole, private hire drivers can be licensed in one council area but work in another, as long as bookings are made through the operator’s licensed base. This practice has drawn criticism nationwide, with local taxi trades warning that it undermines the integrity of local licensing systems.

Wolverhampton, in particular, has become a hub for licensing Uber drivers from across the UK due to its quicker and cheaper process. Drivers registered there often work in towns and cities hundreds of miles away, leaving local councils with limited powers to monitor or enforce standards.

National trade bodies have repeatedly raised safety and accountability concerns, pointing out that passengers may struggle to raise complaints if a driver is licensed elsewhere. While supporters of ride-hailing apps argue they provide convenience and choice, traditional taxi drivers say competition is unfair if one group must meet tougher local standards while others operate under looser rules. The Department for Transport has consulted on reforms, but no new legislation has yet been introduced to close the loophole.

When contacted by The Glossop Chronicle for comment, Councillor Fiona Sloman, Executive Member for Licensing, said: “This is something that has only just been brought to the Council’s attention so we will need time to investigate before we’re able to provide a fuller response to the concerns raised by the Association.”