Uber is set to gain a formal voice in Aberdeen's taxi industry discussions as the city council considers a shake-up of the consultation group that advises on policy.
This comes after the ride-hailing company questioned why it was being represented by a competitor, Rainbow City Taxis.
The new proposal would give individual representation to major players in the local taxi industry, including Rainbow City Taxis, Aberdeen Taxis, Chariots Private Hire, ComCab, Leadryde, and Aberdeen International Airport.
According to new documents, this will give Uber a "platform to formally plead for such changes," including the controversial Street Knowledge Test, which Uber has called to be scrapped.
An Uber spokesperson said the company is "keen to work collaboratively with the council and other stakeholders to improve the private hire sector in Aberdeen." They believe the proposal is an "important step forward" to meeting "huge demand" from local people for "safe, affordable and easy options."
However, not all members of the group are welcoming of the changes. A joint statement from taxi firm bosses states that the trade is "about drivers," and that the group was "never intended to be about anyone directly representing their own business."
They warned that booking offices "cannot and should not be able to dictate licensing policy, which could be detrimental to drivers."
The group's previous figurehead, Rainbow City Taxis boss Russell McLeod, has previously stated that Uber must "play by the same rules" as everyone else.
You can view the full proposed changes here: https://committees.aberdeencity.gov.uk/documents/s171724/2025%20-%20TPHCCG%20Membership.pdf
Paige Harvey, 30, was accused of spitting on the driver, pushing him, and using "horrible, racist language" after a night out in Newcastle.
An online survey of 4,440 people found that 92% were in favour of retaining the private hire cap, while 90% supported keeping the taxi licence limit.
A disciplinary hearing was told that Thomas Ford stole the driver's car after the attack and crashed it into a fence.
The decision, which will take effect on Halloween, was made by the civic licensing committee following a split vote.
The driver, who Dudley Council has not named for legal reasons, was observed "mucking out" his taxi on early Saturday and Sunday mornings in June.
The idea, which was discussed during a recent council cabinet meeting, is aimed at improving the town's image by ensuring that cabbies, who are often the first point of contact for visitors, present a smarter appearance.
The number of taxi drivers has dropped by 47% in the last five years, a decline that local officials attribute to "licence shopping" by drivers seeking less stringent regulations.
Barry Haden, was taken to court and charged with breaching licensing rules after he used his personal car to transport an autistic student to college.
The council is now awaiting sign-off from the Department for Transport (DfT) on new byelaws, a process that has been put on hold during Parliament's summer recess.
Taxi drivers in Wiltshire are calling a recent 3p pay increase "an insult" that they say will drive people out of the industry.
Transport for London (TfL) is facing a legal claim in the High Court for a judicial review into the license delays that have kept thousands of minicab drivers out of work for months on end.
Gas main replacement work on Minster Road has been labeled a “nightmare” by local business owners, with a taxi company boss claiming the disruption is costing him £1,000 a week.
The council’s licensing team and mechanics, worked with Leicestershire Police on 9 August to carry out checks to ensure taxis in the district meet stringent safety standards.
The service, driven by women for women, comes after research highlighted the region as one of the most dangerous places in Europe for women.
The incident, which occurred around 1:45pm, left both men injured and "traumatised," according to the Sikh Federation (UK).
Xristos Tsorvas, one of the three directors of Cresta Cars, revealed that the company's new office on Chester Street was vandalised with smashed windows and white paint.
Szabolcs Pap, 39, was sentenced at Oxford Crown Court on August 15 for a series of offences that occurred on October 22, 2024, in Littlemore.
A council leader is appealing to the government to tighten operations by taxi and private hire drivers licensed outside of South Kesteven.
PC Holly Andrews has been working alongside Licensing Officers from Buckinghamshire Council carrying out compliance checks on taxis and PHVs in the town.
Mehtab Anwar, 30, a full-time Uber driver and one of the strike organisers, stated that "the recent fare prices are unsustainable, making it difficult for drivers to earn a fair income."