Windsor's crackdown on Uber drivers results in $7,900 in fines

About 20Uber drivers in Windsor have been dinged with a combined $7,900 in tickets for operating without taxi licenses, according to the latest information from the city's bylaw department.

Officers launched their campaign to crack down on drivers of the ride-sharing service about a month ago, once they had a better understanding of how other municipalities have dealt with its arrival.

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Bylaw officers in Windsor have so far issued about 40 tickets, explained Craig Robertson, the city's supervisor of licensing. He says the crackdown should send a clear message to Uber drivers and passengers.

"The city wants to encourage people from the general public to make sure they're taking regulated transportation services," he said. "Services such as Uber aren't regulated by the city and [people] are encouraged to take the regulated service, such as our taxis and limousine services."

Cracking down

Robertson will not reveal how his officers are conducting its crackdown on Uber drivers, saying they have gone to great lengths to keep their identities a secret.

The city started to hand out infractions to Uber drivers who are in contravention of the city's bylaws about a month ago. The move came well after a November decision bycouncil to hire a consultant who will find a way to regulate ride-sharing services.

Each driver targeted by bylaw officers was handed two separatetwo tickets. The first is a $260-fine for operating an unlicensed taxi cab and the second is a $135-fine for operating without a taxi license.

Mayor Drew Dilkens welcomed Uber last year when the service was on its way to Windsor. He wants to see a proposal for amendments to existing city laws readyas early as this summer.

"At the end of the day, the city's position is that Uber's operating in contravention of the bylaw, which is precisely why we're trying to change the bylaw to allow for these types of services because we know they're not going away," he said. "How do we deal with it in a responsible way and find a pathway that's fair to everyone."

Edmonton's example

Dilkens said he wants to look at a bylaw recently passed in Edmonton that regulates ride-sharing services. By looking at other examples, the city's new consultant should be able to"come up with something that works for Windsor."

ButUnion officials representing cabbies in Windsor say rules governing Uber in places like Edmontonwould not work here.

Last week,John Toth at Unifor Local 195 said the framework established in Edmonton is a bad fit.

"We're a border city. We're a much smaller town. Up until recently, Edmonton was a growing city as well," he said. "So, I think there are several differences, not very many similarities."