Uber must 'follow the rules' says private hire taxi industry

Uber should follow the rules other taxi companies abide by, if it is allowed to operate in a Berkshire town, according to a representative of the private hire taxi industry.

The ride-sharing giant announced in April it was in the process of applying to operate in Reading.

The company was denied a licence to operate in the town centre in 2016 because it refused to have a staffed office in town.

Now, Sikandar Hayat, the chairman of the Reading Private Hire Association (RPHA) has said Uber should only be allowed if it follows the council's rules. Uber has been approached for comment.

The company is applying for a licence as a private hire taxi operator, meaning journeys must be pre-booked from its app.

Private hire drivers are not allowed to take passengers on the spot like black cab drivers are in Reading.

Some private hire drivers have expressed support for Uber coming to the town, arguing that allowing them to use the app will make them more competitive.

Mr Hayat said "operators have concerns" but as an association, they "think it'll be fair if they [Uber] follow the rules."

The company refused to have a staffed office in town in 2016 to deal with customer bookings and complaints, and inspection and enforcement visits from council enforcement officers.

He said: "Other operators work by providing drivers and customers access to the system; we have a 24-hour telephone system, and customers have direct access to offices. If Uber can comply with these conditions, that's ok.

"Most of the drivers are concerned that if the rules change, they may not get the same care they expect."

Mr Hayat also suggested that Uber should introduce zoning restrictions in the town on its app to tackle the issue of drivers with Uber licences from other boroughs taking trade from Reading drivers.

He explained: "If Reading drivers get the work, it's ok for us, if they [Uber] don't follow the rules, if they don't have a contact system, that is an issue."

Uber was asked to clarify its office policy and whether it implements zoning, but it has not replied.

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