As London City Council moves towards regulating Uber, frustrations are growing within the London Taxi Association.
Following a long debate at Tuesday night's meeting, council is asking staff to report back on ways the city could possibly regulate Uber.
Uber is a ride-sharing app that connects drivers with those in the same area looking for a ride. All money transfers are done through the app.
In the past, the city has tried to crack down on what it calls unlicensed taxi drivers - issuing 29 fines to 18 drivers last month.
"There has to be a level playing field. It makes no sense for Uber to be operating with no commercial insurance and no vehicle inspections, the bylaw is there for public safety," says President of the London Taxi Association Jason Kukurudziak.
Under city bylaws, a taxi operator must undergo a training exam, provide a criminal background check, a ministry drivers abstract and a medical certificate. Their vehicle must be no older than three years, have an interior forward facing camera system, $2-million in insurance and a ministry safety check.
"Taxis aren't afraid to compete with Uber ... They need to have cameras in their cars for public protection. They have to have emergency lights installed on their cars and the pricing, we can't gouge people when we don't have enough vehicles so they can't do that," Kukurudziak tells BlackburnNews.com.
Uber launched in London in July and came under heavy fire from taxi companies, politicians and business owners.
City staff will reportedly explore regulations and rules for what is called a "transportation network company."
The report will be presented to council in the coming months.
Kukurudziak notes companies have seen a downturn in business since Uber launched in London.
