Uberk split the UK into their Interpretation of what Licensing in the UK should really mean.

( Arrogant Barstewards)

https://www.uber.com/en-GB/blog/changes-to-where-drivers-can-receive-trips/

A statement from the Brighton Unite Branch highlights Uberk's attempt at a "whitewash"

Splitting the UK in to 'REGIONS' which will still mean that a Portsmouth.. Southampton... Havant.. Chichester... and any vehicle with the 'South East REGION' will continue to work in Brighton & Hove although we will no longer see Wolverhampton/Sefton cars working in Brighton.

At the moment there is no specific details on how big this 'Region' is and Uber has be very vague in providing full details.

It appears that TfL PH will be restricted to London only so all the TfL ph drivers who live in Brighton and predominantly work in the city because they either failed the high standards that the city requires or who just could not be bothered to even attempt to go for a B&H licence will not only be able to work in London... so it seems.

The upshot of this is that all of those TfL drivers who obtain TfL licences over the last few years but have never actually worked London will have to head back to London.. and we have been told this figure by Uber is 40,000.... so good luck to all of those who hope to earn a decent wage with decent hours!

The question is why has Uber suddenly taken this change in direction? Is there something that Uber knows will be happening in the future with regard to Cross border Hiring? Uber has not done this as a favour.. this is not how Uber works.

In the bumf uber has put out it states
“Some local authorities – the people that give us our operator licence – have told us that the way the app works can make it hard for them to do their job. One way the app can be difficult for them is by overseeing what private hire drivers are doing in their jurisdiction. We hope that this change will help to make us a better and more responsible presence in cities.”

So is this a case of Uber becoming scared of what the Local Government Association has been pushing for and Uber is trying to act quickly before there is a change in Legislation to actually try and stop any drastic changes.

Is Uber saying to itself:

”We must look like we are changing the way we work to ensure there are no changes to Legislation that will completely stop the way we work!”

However this does not go far enough and this is only to appease local licensing authorities because it doesn’t matter whether a ph is working predominantly in Brighton & Hove from over 250 miles away or just 50... the fact is that Uber is still encouraging PHV's to predominantly work in areas that they are not licensed in.

This announcement should not make people think it is all over as it certainly is not.

What Uber should have stated was:
“From March 14 2018 you will only receive work from the area that you are licensed in”

Do not be fooled by Uber!

The fight goes on to fully change Legislation!

Andrew Peters
Secretary
GMB Brighton & Hove Taxi Section
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Further Comment from Leeds.

Hi Les,
Hope you are in good health and keep up the good work.

Uber are offering driver's £1,000 to help them obtain a licence in another area of there choice where they wish to work but the condition is that it will be paid after you complete 250 trips.

In Leeds they are telling drivers if they are licensed by an authority based Yorkshire they can basically work anywhere in Yorkshire. This means that they will go to the less demanding authority within Yorkshire region to obtain the licence.

The good thing is that Leeds, kirklees, Wakefield, Bradford, Harrogate and York (known as the Combined Authorities) have more or less finalised a delegated power sharing agreement meaning any of the authorised officers can stop and check a vehicle from each others area.

Furthermore they are also trying to standardise all the livery, byelaws and driver training standards.
Progress is slow but changes will happen.

I have attached some screen shots about the information uber are giving their drivers or should I say partners. (may not be in order)

Kind regards,
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Comment from London:

Good news for you in Manchester as Uber change their MO but here in London  it’s bad news. Lyft are in talks with TfL and Uber looks set to get its licence renewed without going to court. 

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Their will no doubt be several updates over the next few days