Tension persists in Blackpool's taxi industry as an Uber driver alleges a frightening confrontation with local cabbies.
The incident, which reportedly occurred in November, involved two taxi drivers blocking the Uber driver's vehicle on Bispham Road and threatening him with a metal pole.
The Uber driver, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed concern for his safety and highlighted the ongoing rivalry between the two groups.
Blackpool Council granted Uber a licence to operate in August after determining the operator was suitable to hold an operator's licence.
The council said it was legally obligated to issue the licence after Uber met all the necessary criteria for a private hire operator's licence.
"We are licensed now and we are here to stay," the Uber driver said.
However, Blackpool taxi driver Neil Charnock dismissed the claims as unfounded rumours.
"I cannot think of anyone so stupid enough to commit such an offence," he stated.
“Until these allegations are investigated, we should leave them as just rumour. Most vehicles have cameras, so you would expect the alleged offence would be caught on camera.”
Charnock urged anyone with information to report it directly to the police.
The licensing of Uber in Blackpool has sparked controversy among local taxi drivers, who fear the company's lower fares could negatively impact their livelihoods.
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Drivers claim that Uber cars registered in London are taking a significant portion of airport business, impacting their livelihoods.
Taxis and private hire vehicles are an important part of our transport networks and some of the most vulnerable groups in our society rely on them.