The UK’s largest private hire operator has warned thousands of drivers they could face a heavy fine and a criminal record if they drive for popular app operator, Uber.
Liam Griffin from London-based Addison Lee has spoken out as the High Court decides if Uber’s metering system is unlawful – the hearing is taking place today (Monday 5th October).
If found to be unlawful, the ruling could place thousands of Uber drivers at risk of a fine and criminal prosecution according to Addison Lee. Mr Griffin, Chief Executive Officer commented; “Uber has recruited thousands of innocent minicab drivers and convinced them to use the Uber meter without warning them of the potential risks. If the High Court hearing goes against them, literally thousands of Uber drivers could be at risk of a fine and a criminal record.”
Section 11 (1) of the Private Hire Vehicles (London) Act 1998 says, “No vehicle to which a London PHV (private hire vehicle) licence relates shall be equipped with a taxi meter”. It also says, “If such a vehicle is equipped with a taxi meter, the owner of the vehicle is guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine”. The fine is £1,000 and any conviction would result in a criminal record.
For years, London has had a traditional two tier system – taxis and minicabs. Black cab drivers are allowed to use taximeters because they have spent years learning the best way to get around and their livelihoods depend on them obeying the rules.
Minicab drivers give fixed price fares because they don’t have the same level of knowledge as black cab drivers and, because they have to be booked in advance, they can plan their journeys and so choose the smartest route
There are concerns that Uber’s app based metering, untrained drivers can go any route they want knowing the longer the route and the more traffic they encounter, the higher the fare they’ll get.
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