Uber applies for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole operator licence
- Perry Richardson
- 9 minutes ago
- 1 min read
Uber has formally applied for a private hire operator licence to run services across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP), according to a new council report published ahead of a key licensing committee meeting next week.
The application, submitted in August 2025, is being processed under Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council’s existing taxi and private hire policies. Officers confirmed there are currently no grounds for refusal, provided Uber meets all regulatory and compliance requirements.
The disclosure comes as councillors prepare to debate updated taxi and private hire policies on 22 October. The revised framework sets out how the council regulates local drivers, vehicles and operators, and aligns its rules with the Department for Transport’s national standards.
Under the proposals, BCP would accept verifiable virtual operator offices in place of a physical base, provided records can be inspected on request. This update reflects the growing number of app-based booking platforms that manage operations remotely.
Uber’s arrival would mark its first local presence since BCP was formed in 2019. The company currently holds operator licences in numerous UK cities and towns, with its platform enabling passengers to book private hire journeys through its mobile app.
If approved, the firm would be required to comply fully with all local licensing and data requirements. This includes ensuring that only drivers and vehicles licensed by BCP or a recognised authority are used for bookings accepted under a BCP licence.
Councillors are expected to note Uber’s application as part of the wider policy report. A final decision on the new licensing framework will be taken by Full Council following the committee’s recommendation.
