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Posted on the 9th October 2025 in PHTM News

GATWICK AIRPORT DRIVERS PROTEST OVER UBER'S LOCAL LICENSING LOOPHOLES

Private hire drivers at Gatwick Airport, organised by Unite the union, are today staging a protest at the South Terminal roundabout, claiming that Uber is "destroying local livelihoods" by circumventing local licensing rules in Crawley.

The drivers claim that London-registered Uber cars are operating in Crawley and picking up fares from Gatwick passengers without being subject to the town's licensing restrictions, which they say are stricter for local drivers.

Unite general secretary, Sharon Graham, accused Gatwick Airport of "partnering with a race-to-the-bottom firm like Uber, which is destroying local livelihoods and damaging Crawley’s economy." She said: "Unite will not rest until Gatwick takes action to address our members’ concerns."

Ms Graham urged the government to "close the loopholes in the legislation," stating: "Uber’s sidestepping of local licensing laws is hurting workers and putting passengers at risk across the country."

Unite is also campaigning for the government to implement the 2020 Casey Report recommendations to strengthen council taxi licensing powers.

Responses to the Protest

  • Crawley Borough Council previously dismissed a similar complaint in March 2025, concluding after legal advice that there was “no wrongdoing” and that the claims “lacked any legal substance,” a finding that drivers rejected.

  • A London Gatwick spokesperson stated they "recognise the importance of fair competition" and mentioned that their official taxi partner, Airport Cars, operates from dedicated bays directly outside the terminals, while Uber and other private hire vehicles use designated pick-up zones.

  • An Uber spokesperson asserted that the company "operates according to the high standards set across the industry and abides by the same regulations as all other private hire operators," adding this was "supported by a thorough independent review by Crawley Borough Council."

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