Uber pulls out of Southend just months after being granted licence

Uber has pulled out of operating in Southend just months after being granted a licence to run private hire services in the city.

Southend City Council has confirmed that Uber has formally surrendered its Private Hire Operator Licence, which had been approved by the council’s Licensing Sub-Committee in December.

While Uber has not publicly commented on its decision, it is understood the company chose to exit Southend because it was unwilling or unable to meet all of the conditions attached to its licence by the council’s licensing committee.

Despite the licence being surrendered, Uber vehicles are still currently visible and available to book in Southend. It remains unclear exactly when the company will fully cease operating in the city.

Councillor Daniel Cowan, Leader of Southend-on-Sea City Council, said the authority had followed the proper legal process when granting the licence.

He said: “The council always encourages businesses to operate in Southend, and following a formal application from Uber, the Licensing Sub-Committee reached a lawful decision to grant a licence on 15 December 2025.

“Uber has since informed us that it has chosen to surrender its licence. Whilst we remain open to applications from potential private hire operators wishing to work in the city, we are clear that all operators are held to the same fair standards and safeguards – those who choose not to adhere to our conditions will not be operating in Southend.”

Councillor Martin Terry, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Regulatory Services, said the process had been handled correctly and transparently.

He said: “Credit is due to the Licensing Sub-Committee and council officers for their thorough and professional handling of this application.

“The committee followed the standard licensing process part of which involves adding conditions which take into consideration any evidence presented to them. There will be further opportunities for engagement as part of our upcoming review of taxi and private hire policy.”

News of Uber’s exit has prompted mixed reactions from residents and regular users.

Adrian Sma said he relied heavily on the service and would miss it if it disappears from the city. “I use Uber twice a day, and it’s usually half the price of local taxis. You can always see where the driver is, which makes a huge difference. With local taxis, they often cancel at the last minute and you end up missing flights or trains. Uber is reliable, affordable, and honestly the best option.”

Others responded with humour. Stephanie Dawson joked about the ongoing Queensway roadworks and their impact on traffic across Southend. “They probably left because they have just been stuck sitting in traffic going nowhere by the back of M&S bus depot like the rest of us!”

However, some residents have welcomed the decision, saying they would rather see local taxi firms supported instead of a global ride-hailing company.

The council has confirmed it remains open to applications from other private hire operators, as long as they are willing to meet the same licensing standards required to operate in Southend.