TORONTO — Toronto police will wait for the outcome of eight charges against UberX drivers before pursuing any further charges.
Chief Mark Saunders presented a report to the Toronto Police Services Board Wednesday afternoon with respect to ground transportation enforcement.
“The technology has kind of surpassed the laws that are before us,” Saunders said. “We’re handcuffed with the way things stand now.”
The issue surrounding the operation of Uber has been a hot topic at city hall with some councillors and the leaders within the taxi industry.
Councillor Jim Karygiannis has been outspoken about the unregulated transportation service and the need for police to enforce the Highway Traffic Act.
“Let’s get real. The chief of police is behind the eight ball here,” Karygiannis said.
“We had arguments in there that they should be instructing the members of the force to do stuff and let’s get on with it.”
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Representatives and drivers from a number of taxi companies were also in attendance at the meeting to have their say.
“Not only are UberX drivers breaking the Highway Traffic Act but so are the passengers of these UberX vehicles,” said Sajid Mughal, the head of the TaxiWorkers Association of Ontario.
Uber Canada General Manager Ian Black addressed concerns about safety within the Uber system, but not whether charges should be laid or not.
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Saunders reached out to members of the taxi industry and asked for their patience.
“I do understand that the ground transportation people are very frustrated,” he said. ” I’m not saying this because I’m trying to ‘kick the can’ and make it someone else’s problem.”
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