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Brampton asks Uber to suspend operations pending bylaw review

Click to play video: 'Brampton Council asks Uber to suspend UberX while they re-work by-laws'
Brampton Council asks Uber to suspend UberX while they re-work by-laws
WATCH ABOVE: Brampton city council has passed a motion that makes Uber X illegal in Brampton. Brampton city council declared Wednesday that Uber presents a “public safety concern.” Mark Carcasole reports – Feb 25, 2016

BRAMPTON, Ont. – Brampton city council declared Wednesday that Uber presents a “public safety concern” and is asking the company to halt operations pending a review of city bylaws.

The 11-member council voted unanimously to request a suspension of UberX services as a good-faith gesture while city staff examine the Mobile Licensing By-Law governing taxi and limo services.

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“This is a victory for the residents of Brampton,” said Councillor Gurpreet Dhillon, who introduced the motion. “This decision is a good first step to guarantee the public’s safety and security, while maintaining fairness — that is our priority right now.”

City council took issue with several aspects of Uber operations, including “uninsured or under-insured drivers,” lack of training and absence of criminal background checks.

Uber’s “surge pricing,” when prices can spike dramatically during periods of high demand, was also deemed a “consumer protection concern.”

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The motion also included a request to establish a minimum $5,000 fine per offence for Uber drivers contravening the law.

Council’s request is not legally binding, and Uber has not yet released a response.

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