Darlington Council gives green light to Uber operator licence

Darlington Council has granted Uber an operator's licence, officially allowing the company to operate within the borough.

The decision, taken by the General Licensing Sub Committee on 13 August 2024, comes after thorough deliberation of Uber’s application and an assessment of its compliance with the Council’s licensing policy.

Uber, a global private hire giant, had applied for the licence in May, seeking to establish a base at Studio 10, Yarm Road Business Park. Despite some contention over Uber's lack of a traditional landline for bookings—a requirement under Darlington’s existing Private Hire and Hackney Carriage Licensing Policy—the Committee decided to approve the licence.

The licensing process, aimed at safeguarding the public by ensuring that operators are fit and proper, involved close scrutiny of Uber's compliance record and operational transparency. Uber's modern app-based booking system, which routes trip requests directly to drivers through smartphones, played a role in convincing the Committee of its suitability.

The Council acknowledged Uber’s established presence across the UK, including in nearby regions like Newcastle, Sunderland, and Middlesbrough.