As a daily cyclist in London, I witness an increasing number of disputes on the road, so this story may have passed my by.
But this dispute between Boris Johnson and a black taxi driver has helped to highlight an issue which will have great impact on London’s roads. The issue relates to the growth of the uber app, which allows people to hail a cab and agree a fare using their phone. The app is free to download and, when accessed, shows all the Uber-accredited cars in a user’s vicinity. To hail one, users just tap on a car that is close by, jump in, and at the end of the ride their card is debited automatically. Rates are considerably lower than in a black cab and are calculated according to how far a passenger travels and how long his or her journey takes.
The endangered black cab drivers are upset at Johnson and Transport for London for failing to hold the mobile-based car service to the proper regulations. There are real concerns over the safety of passengers and for the loss of the tradition of the black cab trade. Interestingly, the California-based start-up has already been hit with legal action, protests and bans of various kinds in a number of cities in North America and Europe. However, Johnson and David Cameron have made no substantial measures to restrict the growth of the uber app in London.
The Tories would be reluctant to bring in regulations to restrict growth in the free market, it goes completely against their whole ethos. Having secured a majority in the recent election, they can afford to let the issue drift, without having to act with any urgency.
I must admit, I have a vested interest in the matter. I have used black taxis regularly and my brother has recently passed the knowledge. Though expensive when travelling alone, when four or five of you need to get across London, it’s not a great deal more expensive than using the tube. The knowledge of the black cab drivers on our roads will never be surpassed and any misdemeanors by the drivers can lead to the loss/suspension of their licenses. Drivers of uber cars, who often need to rely on their sat nav, do not have to operate under such a strict code of conduct. This issue is set to run and run.