Taxi Drivers Protest At Gatwick Over Claims Of Unfair Competition From Uber

Private hire taxi drivers staged a protest at Gatwick Airport today (Thursday), claiming that Uber is gaining an unfair advantage by operating outside local licensing laws.

The demonstration, organised by Unite the Union, took place at the South Terminal roundabout.

Drivers say Uber vehicles registered in London are entering Crawley and picking up passengers from the airport, despite not being licensed locally.

Unite argues that this practice is hurting Crawley’s taxi trade, as local private hire drivers can only operate within the area where they are registered and must pre-book all fares.

A Unite spokesperson said drivers’ livelihoods were being damaged by “Uber’s encroachment” into the local market, calling on Gatwick Airport and the government to take action to protect local operators.

Uber, however, has rejected the claims, saying it “abides by the same regulations as all other private hire operators."

The protest marked the launch of a new Unite campaign aimed at pressuring Gatwick to review its partnership with Uber and ensure local drivers are not put at a disadvantage.