Uber granted five-year Southend licence after unanimous council decision
- Perry Richardson
- 1 hour ago
- 2 min read
Uber has been granted permission to operate in Southend-on-Sea after a unanimous decision by the city council’s Licensing Sub-Committee, marking the company’s formal entry into the local private hire market.
Southend-on-Sea City Council confirmed that its independent, quasi-judicial Licensing Sub-Committee approved Uber Britannia Limited’s application for a Private Hire Vehicle Operator’s Licence. The licence will run for five years, after which Uber will be required to reapply if it wishes to continue operating.
The decision allows Uber to begin offering services in the city, subject to compliance with Southend’s local licensing framework. The council says all drivers operating through the platform in Southend must be licensed by the authority and meet the same requirements as other private hire drivers in the area.
These conditions include passing the Southend knowledge test, completing safeguarding training, undergoing enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks and meeting medical fitness standards. Licensed drivers will also be required to display Southend-issued private hire vehicle door stickers.
Five-year private hire operator licence clears path for Uber to begin operating under local standards
Cross-border working whilst controversial, is legal and there is nothing stopping other licensed private hire vehicles, from London as an example, to accept work in the Southend region.
The move is likely to increase competition within the local private hire sector, particularly for existing operators and independent taxi drivers.
Licensing decisions of this type are assessed on public safety, regulatory compliance and the applicant’s ability to meet local standards, rather than commercial considerations. The unanimous outcome suggests the Sub-Committee was satisfied that Uber’s operating model could align with Southend’s regulatory expectations.
Cllr Donna Richardson, Chair of the Licensing Sub-Committee, said: "I would like to thank everyone involved for their professionalism and commitment throughout this process. The committee has worked through all the details carefully, and I am pleased we’ve reached a decision in a courteous and respectful manner.”
Cllr Martin Terry, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Regulatory Services, added: "This licence approval demonstrates our commitment to maintaining the highest safety and safeguarding standards for private hire services in Southend. Residents and visitors can have confidence that any Uber driver operating in the city meets the same rigorous checks and requirements as all other licensed operators."
Cllr Daniel Cowan, Leader of the Council, said: "I acknowledge the Licensing Sub-Committee’s decision, which allows Southend residents and visitors to benefit from a regulated Uber service. It is reassuring to see the process concluded thoroughly and professionally. I know this was especially important to business owners in the nightlife economy and I hope it supports the growth we all want to see."
