News
December 01, 2025
Calls for Uber ban in the Cotswolds amid cabbies' fears over out-of-area drivers
There are concerns Uber drivers licensed in Wolverhampton, Swindon, Dudley and South Gloucestershire are working in the Cotswold district
**Cotswolds Residents and Taxi Drivers Push for Uber Ban Amid Growing Concerns Over Out-of-Area Operators**
The picturesque Cotswolds, known for its idyllic villages and rolling hills, is facing a modern transport dilemma. Local taxi drivers and some residents are increasingly vocal in their calls for a ban on Uber, citing unfair competition and safety concerns stemming from a growing influx of drivers licensed in areas far outside the Cotswold district.
The heart of the issue lies in the fact that Uber drivers, licensed by authorities in Wolverhampton, Swindon, Dudley, and South Gloucestershire, are reportedly operating extensively within the Cotswolds. This has sparked outrage among locally licensed taxi drivers, who argue that these out-of-area drivers are not subject to the same stringent local knowledge tests and regulatory oversight as they are.
"We know the roads, we know the area, and we're accountable to the local council," stated a spokesperson for the Cotswolds Taxi Association. "These Uber drivers, licensed elsewhere, don't have that connection to the community. It creates an uneven playing field and puts our livelihoods at risk."
Concerns extend beyond just economic competition. Some residents are worried about the safety implications of having drivers unfamiliar with the local terrain and lacking the same level of local vetting. They argue that local taxi companies are more likely to employ drivers with strong ties to the community, making them more accountable for their actions.
The current licensing system allows drivers to obtain a license in one area and then operate in others, a loophole that Uber has effectively exploited, according to its critics. While Uber maintains that its drivers are fully licensed and insured, adhering to all relevant regulations, local taxi drivers and residents argue that the system is flawed and needs reform. They are lobbying the Cotswold District Council to explore options, including potentially banning Uber or implementing stricter regulations to prioritize locally licensed drivers.
The debate highlights the ongoing tension between traditional taxi services and the rise of ride-hailing apps. While Uber offers convenience and often lower fares, the impact on local economies and the potential compromise of safety standards are fueling a growing resistance in the Cotswolds and other similar areas across the UK. The Cotswold District Council has acknowledged the concerns and is currently reviewing its transport policies to determine the best course of action, promising to engage with all stakeholders, including taxi drivers, residents, and Uber representatives, before making any decisions.
The picturesque Cotswolds, known for its idyllic villages and rolling hills, is facing a modern transport dilemma. Local taxi drivers and some residents are increasingly vocal in their calls for a ban on Uber, citing unfair competition and safety concerns stemming from a growing influx of drivers licensed in areas far outside the Cotswold district.
The heart of the issue lies in the fact that Uber drivers, licensed by authorities in Wolverhampton, Swindon, Dudley, and South Gloucestershire, are reportedly operating extensively within the Cotswolds. This has sparked outrage among locally licensed taxi drivers, who argue that these out-of-area drivers are not subject to the same stringent local knowledge tests and regulatory oversight as they are.
"We know the roads, we know the area, and we're accountable to the local council," stated a spokesperson for the Cotswolds Taxi Association. "These Uber drivers, licensed elsewhere, don't have that connection to the community. It creates an uneven playing field and puts our livelihoods at risk."
Concerns extend beyond just economic competition. Some residents are worried about the safety implications of having drivers unfamiliar with the local terrain and lacking the same level of local vetting. They argue that local taxi companies are more likely to employ drivers with strong ties to the community, making them more accountable for their actions.
The current licensing system allows drivers to obtain a license in one area and then operate in others, a loophole that Uber has effectively exploited, according to its critics. While Uber maintains that its drivers are fully licensed and insured, adhering to all relevant regulations, local taxi drivers and residents argue that the system is flawed and needs reform. They are lobbying the Cotswold District Council to explore options, including potentially banning Uber or implementing stricter regulations to prioritize locally licensed drivers.
The debate highlights the ongoing tension between traditional taxi services and the rise of ride-hailing apps. While Uber offers convenience and often lower fares, the impact on local economies and the potential compromise of safety standards are fueling a growing resistance in the Cotswolds and other similar areas across the UK. The Cotswold District Council has acknowledged the concerns and is currently reviewing its transport policies to determine the best course of action, promising to engage with all stakeholders, including taxi drivers, residents, and Uber representatives, before making any decisions.
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World