Plymouth Council taxi licensing committee to decide on Uber and Smartzi operator licences
Plymouth City Council’s Taxi Licensing Committee will soon decide whether to grant private hire operator licences to Uber and Smartzi B2B Ltd. The meeting, scheduled for 21 November, will review applications from both firms, considering their impact on the city’s transport landscape.
Uber has applied for a five-year licence to operate a fleet of 160 vehicles annually in Plymouth. In contrast, Smartzi’s application, submitted in March, proposes a single licensed vehicle per year over the same period.
The council emphasises that the directors of each company must pass the “fit and proper person” test, a key requirement under the Plymouth City Council Act 1975. This test involves assessing whether each director’s conduct and background are suitable for managing private hire operations. Both companies have completed procedural checks, including Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificates and safeguarding training.
Smartzi’s application specifies plans for a Plymouth-based office for meetings and driver training, while bookings will be managed remotely via an app. Uber’s detailed proposal is included in the council’s report, which provides further context for the committee’s decision.
Uber has clarified its approach to lost property handling and record maintenance, noting a 24-hour compliance team and digital logs accessible on demand. The council’s policy requires operators to grant inspection access without hindrance, raising practical questions about the suitability of Uber’s arrangements for real-time oversight.
The committee will determine the duration of any licences granted, which could range from one to five years, and decide on any additional conditions for their operation.
A final decision on both applications is expected following the meeting.
