LICENCE SURRENDERED: Uber quits Southend market weeks after green light
- Perry Richardson
- 1 hour ago
- 2 min read
Uber has surrendered its private hire operator licence to operate in Southend-on-Sea, less than two months after being formally approved by the city council to enter the local market.
Southend-on-Sea City Council said it had been informed by Uber Britannia Limited that the company had chosen to give up its licence, bringing an early end to its plans to operate in the city.
The council confirmed that Uber’s application had been granted following a unanimous decision by its Licensing Sub-Committee on 15 December 2025. The approval allowed the company to operate for five years, subject to full compliance with local licensing conditions, after which it would have been required to reapply.
Cllr Daniel Cowan, leader of the council, said the authority remained open to businesses wishing to operate in Southend but would not compromise on regulatory standards. He said Uber had voluntarily surrendered its licence and made clear that operators unwilling to adhere to local conditions would not be able to operate in the city.
Ride-hailing firm withdraws from local market despite five-year licence granted in December
Cllr Cowan said: "The council always encourages businesses to operate in Southend, and following a formal application from Uber, the Licensing Sub-Committee reached a lawful decision to grant a licence on 15 December 2025.
"Uber has since informed us that it has chosen to surrender its licence. Whilst we remain open to applications from potential private hire operators wishing to work in the city, we are clear that all operators are held to the same fair standards and safeguards – those who choose not to adhere to our conditions will not be operating in Southend."
Martin Terry, cabinet member for community safety and regulatory services, said the licensing process had been followed correctly and that councillors and officers had handled the application thoroughly and professionally. He added that the committee had imposed conditions in line with evidence presented during the hearing.
The December decision marked Uber’s formal entry into the Southend private hire market, pending compliance with the city’s licensing framework. The council had confirmed at the time that all drivers working via the platform would need to be licensed locally and meet the same standards as other private hire drivers operating in the area.
Those requirements included passing the Southend knowledge test, completing safeguarding training, undergoing enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks and meeting medical fitness standards. Vehicles were also required to display Southend-issued private hire door stickers.
The council said there would be further opportunities for engagement with the trade as part of an upcoming review of its taxi and private hire licensing policy.
An Uber spokesperson said: "We have taken the decision to revisit our launch in Southend while the Council reviews their taxi and private hire policy.
"We’re keen to work with local drivers in the future and we hope to continue constructive discussions with the Council."
