Posted on the 12th June 2026 in PHTM News

KINGS LYNN HACKNEY DRIVERS STRUGGLE TO COMPETE AS RISE IN LOCAL UBERS DEEPENS INDUSTRY CRISIS

A licensed King’s Lynn hackney carriage driver has spoken out about a severe drop in business over the last six months, blaming a sharp increase in Uber vehicles operating across West Norfolk.

The driver, who wished to remain anonymous, claims local operators cannot compete fairly against the global ride-hailing giant, which he argues avoids the same regulatory fees and oversight imposed on local businesses.

While Uber was once rarely seen in West Norfolk, it has rapidly expanded into the area. A recent check of the Uber app revealed five vehicles available for immediate pickup in King’s Lynn's Tuesday Market Place with a mere nine-minute wait time.

This surge has hit traditional drivers hard at usually bustling spots like the town's train station, as well as major local events.

During the recent Tulips for Tapping event near Sandringham, the anonymous driver reported securing just two jobs over five days. "Everybody was booking an Uber," he said.

"They came from different towns, took people to the tulips, stayed there all day and then picked up passengers again. They were taking passengers from our area while local drivers had very little work."

The driver clarified that his frustration is not with the concept of competition itself, but rather with an uneven playing field.

"Local drivers are willing to compete fairly with any operator, including Uber," he stated. "Our concern is whether the existing system is fair, transparent, and properly protects the livelihoods of local licensed drivers who comply with all local regulations."

He highlighted the double standard regarding boundaries, noting: "If I take a passenger to Ely, I cannot just start taking jobs there because I am not licensed there. But these drivers come here, stay here and take jobs. That is why it feels unfair."

He added that local drivers spend significant money renewing local licences and maintaining standards, only to see their livelihoods taken by cars licensed under different councils.

West Norfolk Council expressed sympathy for the local drivers but explained that their hands are tied because Uber's operations are entirely legal under current cross-border rules.

A borough council spokesperson admitted that the existing framework directly benefits national operators who can exploit differing regional rules, allowing them to choose licensing in areas where standards are less strict and cheaper.

"To compound the problem, at the moment there is no national set of standards for taxi operators, vehicles and drivers," the spokesperson said, adding that they are calling for national reform.

Relief may eventually come via the government's proposed Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Bill, which aims to standardise regulations across England, but until those national changes are enacted, the council stated there is little they can do to intervene. 


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