A CRUNCH meeting on whether or not taxi service Uber will be rolling out in Brighton and Hove is set for next week.

Brighton and Hove City Council’s licensing panel will discuss whether or not to grant a operator’s licence to the firm at a meeting on Monday.

Uber is a taxi mobile phone application which allows users to connect with private hire drivers directly who then use their own cars to pick up and drop off passengers – cutting out a central booking agent.

The app is contentious due to Uber drivers not undergoing the same licensing procedures as traditional cabbies and is considered by some as unfair competition.

In the council’s report to the panel officers have not made a recommendation saying “this is new emerging technology” and they have “no previous experience”.

Issues noted in the report include allegations of uninsured drivers, no way of requesting a wheelchair accessible vehicle, price surging, data protection breaches, and accusations of tax dodging.

A catalogue of objections to the service has also been submitted from some of the city’s existing taxi companies as part of the deputation.

In his submission, John Streeter, vice chairman of Brighton and Hove Streamline, said: “I am not looking to ban Uber, but to bring it into line with what the public expects from a transport provider today.

“It is a very important to ensure the welfare of passengers is made paramount. Passengers have a right to know that when they book an operator, the service will be reliable, traceable and fairly priced.”

Councillor Mary Mears also raised concerns saying in her letter, “the question is are they ‘fit and proper', in my view they are not".

She added: "There is documentation from around the world where there has been serious issues with Uber."

The report concludes: “In summary - many allegations have been made, but it is important to differentiate those that relate to matters abroad and are often multiple hearsay and those within a domestic environment.

“Within the domestic environment, much again is hearsay and should be treated with extreme caution.

“It is noted that Transport for London and numerous other local authorities have licensed Uber.

“This would suggest, but is not definitive, that they have not uncovered any concerns about the operating company that would mean that they are not fit and proper.”

The application will be discussed at the licensing panel meeting on 10am on Monday in committee room two at Brighton Town Hall.