UBER should be introduced in Southend to tackle cowboy taxi drivers and combat a shortage of local cabbies, senior councillors believe.

Taxi firm AC Taxis is struggling to keep up with demand at peak times as Covid restrictions ease, allowing “fake drivers” to pick up party-goers for a cheaper fare.

The struggles stem from a shortage in taxi drivers in the wake of the pandemic, with older drivers unwilling to “put themselves at risk.”

Now, Martin Terry, councillor in charge of community safety, is touting the prospect of bringing Uber to Southend.

READ MORE:

He said: “There are difficulties at the moment with AC Taxis, they’ve admitted that themselves.

“They’ve got a shortage of drivers. Those issues need to be resolved.

“This isn’t about booting AC Taxis out of Southend, it’s about having a rival to bring competition.

“Uber will be able to help out where there is a shortage.”

The idea of bringing Uber to Southend was rejected by Southend Council in 2018, with fears over the safety of the operation in the town.

Earlier this week, the Echo reported how cowboy taxi drivers have been waiting in Southend hotspots to pick up passengers who are struggling to book a ride with AC Taxis.

A taxi driver, from AC Taxis, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “We have no issues with Uber here, as long as they’re properly licensed.

“If they’re not licensed, it would damage the reputation of the taxi trade in Southend.

“Uber won’t help resolve the shortage, it’s a national problem.

“Uber have a shortage too.”

Uber was involved in a legal dispute with Transport for London in 2018 over safety fears for passengers.

The taxi firm won the right to a license in London at the time, after it made “serious changes”.

Mr Terry believes Southend Council should have an open mind about bringing Uber to the town.

He added: “The legal issues have all been resolved now.

“It’s a different playing field now. We can’t be closed off to the idea.

“Taxis are a form of public transport, and a lot of the cars are green.

“If we want a green way of getting around by car, this is something that should be considered.”