Posted on the 30th December 2025 in PHTM News

BRIGHTON CABBIES DEMAND PROTECTION FROM HUGE INFLUX OF OUT-OF-TOWN DRIVERS

Local taxi and private hire drivers are calling on Brighton and Hove City Council to enact urgent reforms to protect the local trade from a "double whammy" of rising costs and a surge in outside competition.

GMB union representatives Kevin Thomas and Fazlul Haque recently led a deputation to Hove Town Hall, warning that the number of locally licensed drivers has plummeted by 40% since the pandemic - dropping from 1,800 to fewer than 1,100.

Union reps pointed the finger at app-based operators, specifically referencing Uber, for facilitating an influx of vehicles licensed by authorities as far afield as Portsmouth and Havant.

Mr. Thomas highlighted a disconnect between local economic pledges and the reality on the streets, noting that money spent by residents often ends up in "Silicon Valley" rather than the local economy. He argued that out-of-town operators are not held to the same rigorous safety standards, such as mandatory CCTV systems, imposed on Brighton-licensed drivers.

“One of the major factors for the loss of drivers is the influx of private hire vehicles licensed by outside authorities from Lewes to Chichester all the way down the south coast – and these vehicles come here working in Brighton and Hove for an app-based operator.”

To level the playing field, the GMB is demanding that the council restrict bus lane access exclusively to Brighton and Hove licensed private hire vehicles. They also called for tougher enforcement against illegal "ranking" by out-of-town drivers and greater transparency regarding fares.

“Whether its doctor’s appointments, shopping, hospital appointments, helping in the night-time economy, Brighton and Hove taxi drivers and private hire drivers are essential,” Mr. Thomas told the council.

Addressing fare transparency, he cited extreme cases where passengers were charged £300 for a trip to London while the driver received only £90.

The deputation argued that local drivers are being penalised for their professionalism. By adhering to the council's higher standards and costs, they are being undercut when bidding for contracts, such as home-to-school transport, by cheaper, out-of-town operators.

“Brighton and Hove licensed operators had to pay to meet the higher standards required by the council but were then at a disadvantage when bidding for such contracts.”

Councillor Trevor Muten, cabinet member for transport, praised the "professionalism" of local drivers and promised to collaborate on issues like bus lane obstruction and illegal ranking. “The council values the professionalism of its licensed drivers and encourages two-way collaboration... We will work with you and please work with us,” Cllr Muten said.

The council confirmed that fare transparency and other trade concerns would be tabled at a taxi forum meeting next month with Labour councillor David McGregor, who is chairman of the council’s licensing committee.


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