Date set for Uber licence decision in Plymouth

A decision is set to be made on whether Uber and another app-based private hire taxi firm can operate in a Devon city.

Plymouth City Council said its Taxi Licensing Committee would review applications from Uber and Smartzi on 21 November.

Uber has applied for a five-year licence in the city and a fleet of 160 vehicles per year, while Smartzi applied in March for a five-year licence for one vehicle per year.

Councillor Sally Haydon, cabinet member for community safety, said the authority was "acutely aware" a decision to grant a licence to either firm would have consequences for existing trade, but the move could also help clubs, bars and other venues.

Officers from the council have asked the committee whether the directors of Uber and Smartzi are considered fit and proper persons to be granted a Private Hire Vehicle Operator's Licence.

The council said any decision would be made based on its taxi licensing policy and if the applications meet it criteria.

A council report added: "Officers recognise that if this application is granted it will potentially affect other private hire operators in the city – the committee is reminded that this is not a factor to be considered when deciding the application."

Ms Haydon said the council was aware people on nights out in the city have struggled to get home in recent years.

"Something has to change if our clubs, bars and venues are to survive in the long term," Ms Haydon said.

"We are also acutely aware that a decision to grant a private hire licence to these companies could have consequences for our existing trade, but the committee has to take a decision based on very clear legal guidelines."

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