Fife taxi trade launches Uber accountability website following licensing controversy
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Fife taxi trade launches Uber accountability website following licensing controversy
A volunteer-led campaign involving taxi and private-hire operators and drivers across Fife has launched UberFife.com to scrutinise Uber’s local operation and the effectiveness of its regulation.
The launch follows Fife Council’s decision to grant Uber a booking office licence after 431 objections were ruled incompetent without their substantive grounds being heard. The application was subsequently approved under delegated powers.
The website brings together licensing documents, freedom of information requests, press coverage and information for drivers and passengers. It also examines Uber’s impact on the local economy and highlights the contribution of Fife’s established taxi businesses to their communities.
A confidential reporting form allows passengers, drivers and members of the public to submit concerns about journeys, conduct or suspected licensing breaches. Reports can be submitted anonymously and are checked before any decision on referral or publication. The campaign makes clear that an outside-area licence alone does not establish unlawful working.
James Glen, co-owner of St Andrews Taxis and a member of the campaign, said:
“Hundreds of people took the time to object, yet their concerns were never heard on their merits. The licence has been granted, but the questions about regulation and accountability remain.
“This website gives Fife somewhere to gather evidence, examine what is happening and keep those questions in public view. We want drivers to understand the economics before signing up, passengers to make informed choices, and the authorities to enforce the rules properly.
“We are open about our involvement in the taxi trade and our commercial interest. Readers can judge our arguments against the evidence we publish.”
The campaign invites contributions from across Fife, including documented experiences, relevant records and examples of local taxi businesses supporting their communities.
Website: https://uberfife.com
Press enquiries: https://uberfife.com/contact/
ENDS
Notes to editors:
Uber Fife is run by volunteers from Fife’s taxi and private-hire trade. It is not affiliated with Uber, Fife Council or Police Scotland. Submitting information to the website does not constitute a formal complaint to an authority.