LICENCE GRANTED: Uber handed private hire operators licence by Lancaster City Council
- Perry Richardson
- 5 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Lancaster City Council has granted a private hire operator’s licence to Uber Britannia Ltd, bringing the ride-hailing firm and its associated drivers under direct local regulation for the first time.
The approval means the operator, along with drivers and vehicles working through its platform in the district, will now fall within the council’s licensing and enforcement framework. The decision followed confirmation that Uber Britannia Ltd had met all statutory requirements for the grant of a private hire operator’s licence.
Until now, drivers using the Uber platform in and around the Lancaster district had typically been licensed by authorities outside the area. This arrangement stems from legislative changes introduced in 2015, which allow private hire drivers and operators licensed in one local authority area to undertake bookings anywhere in England and Wales, regardless of where they are based.
That system has enabled cross-border working across the private hire market, but has also limited the ability of individual councils to exercise direct oversight over operators whose drivers are licensed elsewhere. By issuing its own operator’s licence to Uber Britannia Ltd, Lancaster City Council will now have the power to monitor compliance locally, including the ability to inspect vehicles and drivers operating under its jurisdiction.
Move brings Uber Britannia Ltd and its drivers under direct local enforcement powers in Lancaster district
For the council, the move strengthens its capacity to enforce local licensing standards and address complaints more directly. It also creates a clearer line of accountability for passengers and stakeholders within the district, as regulatory responsibility will sit with the authority in whose area the journeys are being undertaken.
Lancaster City Council has not detailed any additional conditions beyond those normally attached to a private hire operator’s licence. However, the authority will now be able to use its established inspection and compliance processes to ensure adherence to its standards.
The move comes amid continued scrutiny of private hire licensing arrangements nationally, as policymakers and industry stakeholders debate whether further reform is required to address cross-border working and regulatory consistency.
Councillor Paul Tynan, Chair of Licensing at Lancaster City Council, said: “There has been understandable concern about Uber drivers operating in the district while licensed elsewhere. This situation meant the council had limited ability to regulate or intervene locally when issues arose.
“By granting the licence, we now gain the local oversight and control we did not previously have. Uber applied for the licence, and when an applicant meets all application requirements, the council has a statutory duty to issue it.
“We recognise the concerns raised by existing local taxi and private hire drivers, but this decision ensures Uber is regulated in the same way as the other 52 private hire operators currently licensed in the district. This strengthens our ability to enforce standards, respond to complaints and protect passengers.”
