THE council’s licensing committee will discuss the law around taxi licensing in response to York drivers’ concerns about Uber’s operations in the city.

A report prepared for a meeting on Monday says the local authority is taking legal advice on the issue.

But the council’s current position means that if a private hire vehicle’s three licences - operator, vehicle and driver - have all been issued by the same authority then the driver can undertake journeys anywhere in the country, regardless of when the fare starts or ends.

However, York taxi bosses commissioned a legal opinion from Gerald Gouriet QC - a barrister who specialises in licensing issues in England and Wales - which argues that out-of-town vehicles and their drivers are illegally operating in York.

The council report includes the statement, but adds: “It is important to stress that this alternative view has not been tested in the courts.”

It adds that other councils are also awaiting guidance on the issue and the authority is waiting for an advice note.

The report will be discussed at a gambling, licensing and regulatory committee on Monday at West Offices at 4pm.