BRIGHTON and Hove is set to become one of the main centres of a nationwide protest against car hailing service Uber.

A national day of protest to “save” the taxi trade is being arranged for Tuesday, May 23.

The event is organised by the GMB union, which claim drivers for the app-based service are acting illegally in several towns and cities including Brighton and Hove by plying for hire and operating in other areas from where drivers are licensed.

The union claims the situation has reached “Wild West” proportions with enforcement officers powerless to help and police unwilling to get involved.

Similar accusations have been made by taxi drivers in the city though Uber claims its drivers are the victim of intimidation.

Uber was granted a one-year licence to operate in the city last November.