London city council narrowly approves in-car cameras for Uber drivers, a move applauded by taxi industry

LFPress.com
Jan. 31, 2017
Norman De Bono

London will be the first city to demand its Uber drivers, have cameras in the car.

In a long, heated debate at city council Tuesday, the city finally hammered out a new vehicle for hire bylaw that attempts to treat taxis and ride-share vehicles, Uber, the same.

"What we saw was a divided council, especially on the issue of cameras. We will decide the next step for Ubers in London," said Chris Schafer, Uber public policy manager, who attended the meeting.

"No other city in the word has required ride-sharing drivers to have cameras."

The costs of cameras to be installed is more than $1,000 a vehicle, he said.

"That cost, if required, is prohibitive." The average Uber driver drives for five to 10 hours a week, said Schafer.

The new bylaw will go to council Feb. 14 for final approval.

"We were hoping the vote went the other way. It was close," said Schafer.

"There may be a time, between now and when this goes to council, for some sober second thought on that issue."

The vote was 7-6 with Matt Brown, Mo Salih, Jesse Helmer, Maureen Cassidy, Phil Squire and Vriginia Ridley opposing it. Stephen Turner and Jared Zaifman were not present.

The vote was, however, welcomed by taxi drivers who packed council chambers.

"I think council arrived at a compromise for the industry. I think our people are happy with what was put forward," said Roger Caranci, former city councillor who was a consultant for the taxi industry.

"Cameras in cars are a big thing. We did not want to compromise the safety of our passengers and our drivers."

Council also approved a fee schedule for Uber drivers. The company will pay the city a $50,000 brokerage fee annually and 11 cents a ride.

"That is exactly what we proposed," said Schafer.

City staff recommended 26 cents and a maximum $20,000.

"My focus has always been on public safety and consumer protection and to level the playing field," said Orest Katolyk, city bylaw enforcement officer.

"It was a long debate, a lot of it focused on the principle of this bylaw and cosumer protection and public safety. In terms of safety, it was leveled."

Schafer said London has about 900 Uber drivers.

"Most drivers look at Uber as a way to supplement their income for a specific purpose, only doing it for a limited time."

The city has 79 charges against Uber drivers it will continue to pursue, said Katolyk.