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.
“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.”
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.