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Posted on the 22nd July 2025 in PHTM News
TUNBRIDGE WELLS CABBIES "FUMING" AS UBER SECURES OPERATING LICENCE
Cabbies in Tunbridge Wells are reportedly "fuming" after ride-hailing giant Uber was granted a one-year licence to operate in the borough, with many expressing anger over how the announcement was handled and concerns about the future of local firms.
The decision by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council's (TWBC) licensing department will allow Uber to cover Tunbridge Wells, Paddock Wood, Southborough, and surrounding villages.
An Uber spokesman confirmed the licence had been granted and that the company plans to begin signing up drivers in the area soon.
However, the news has been met with significant backlash from local cabbies. Clayton Berry, proprietor of Cleggy's Taxi, claimed that the announcement was "leaked on social media" by a councillor before the council's senior licensing officer officially informed taxi drivers.
"Loads of cabbies are absolutely fuming. Something like this is major – it's got to go through the proper channels," Berry stated, confirming an "official complaint" has been lodged regarding the communication breakdown.
Concerns extend beyond the announcement's timing, with drivers fearing the impact on their livelihoods.
"Of course there are concerns – you'll see drivers leaving their firms," Berry said, predicting that Uber's presence could "slowly drive smaller taxi and private hire firms out of business."
He highlighted Uber's surge pricing and unreliability in rural areas, arguing: "You have goliaths and the small ones and the goliaths will win at the end of the day."
Berry also expressed sympathy for Uber drivers, suggesting they receive only a fraction of the fare.
The council recently increased standard taxi fares in December, making Tunbridge Wells one of the most expensive places for a cab in Kent.
A spokesperson for TWBC defended the decision, stating: "Uber applied for a licence in the same way as any other operator. They went through the full licensing application process, which includes an assessment against the council's policies, and were duly awarded their licence on 17 July 2025."
Uber did not specify an exact launch date for its services in Tunbridge Wells.
The one-year licence is a common initial period for the company when entering a new licensing authority, as seen with their recent five-year licence renewal in York after an initial one-year term.
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