New meter law to hit Uber taxis in South Africa
The South African government is cracking down on Uber taxis operating without meter licences, according to a report in the Sunday Times.
Cabinet has approved a bill that “empowers traffic authorities to impound Uber taxis” operating without a meter licence – required by metered taxi operators in the country.
“The regulation comes in the wake of protests by metered taxi operators concerned about Uber’s operations, including that it is not licensed,” stated the report.
The Sunday Times said Canada has similar regulations, while Paris and London are also setting up strong regulations on the service.
“Uber Africa proposed that the bill include a category called “transport network operator” to regulate drivers who used the Internet to solicit passengers, but this was rejected by the cabinet,” said the report.
Uber said it would continue to engage with local authorities on the matter.
The full report is available in the Sunday Times of 6 March 2016.
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