Posted on the 2nd February 2026 in PHTM News
UBER PULLS OUT OF SOUTHEND JUST MONTHS AFTER GETTING OPERATORS LICENCE
Uber has pulled out of operating in Southend, just months after being granted a licence to operate in the city.
Southend City Council said that Uber has informed them it has chosen to surrender its private hire operator licence to operate in the city.
It’s understood that Uber decided to exit the city because they could not abide by all of the conditions that had been set by the council’s licensing committee. The company has not publicly confirmed this.
Your Southend reports that Uber is currently still operating in Southend and it’s unclear when they will cease to operate in the city.
Councillor Daniel Cowan, Leader of the Council, said: “The council always encourages businesses to operate in Southend, and following a formal application from Uber, the Licensing Sub-Committee reached a lawful decision to grant a licence on 15 December 2025.
“Uber has since informed us that it has chosen to surrender its licence. Whilst we remain open to applications from potential private hire operators wishing to work in the city, we are clear that all operators are held to the same fair standards and safeguards – those who choose not to adhere to our conditions will not be operating in Southend.”
Councillor Martin Terry, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Regulatory Services, said: “Credit is due to the Licensing Sub-Committee and council officers for their thorough and professional handling of this application.
"The committee followed the standard licensing process part of which involves adding conditions which take into consideration any evidence presented to them.
"There will be further opportunities for engagement as part of our upcoming review of taxi and private hire policy.”
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