IT’S disappointing to hear that New Forest drivers are working throughout Southampton under Uber with New Forest licences, and without the need for extra checks, extra safe guards and without any knowledge of the Southampton city.

After using Uber, radio cab and WestQuay cars, I have done some research and currently Uber is unable to recruit Southampton licence holder drivers to work for them, so they are now using New Forest licence holders.

I have found the New Forest test is so easy that a child will pass. The test includes map and grids to use to help with the test.

Also the cars that are plated with New Forest does not go through extra checks and extra MOTs like they do in Southampton and also there are no safety cameras inside the cars which Southampton have. So how can these cars run in Southampton under Uber.

Southampton council is failing to protect and serve the public by letting Uber and New Forest council run wild.

Both radio cabs and WestQuay cars cost me more in fare compared to Uber but the drivers have knowledge of the area and the car was safe for the ride.

The following needs to happen.

1. Southampton City Council needs to act by making sure all taxis that run and work in Southampton have the same safe standards.

2. New Forest drivers must have the same training or have some knowledge of Southampton.

3. Uber, playing the system as you did in London, had no care for passengers or safety. You talk about better drivers but your company is using New Forest drivers in Southampton.

4. Both Southampton and New Forest council should do on the spot checks on both Southampton and New Forest plated cars.

5. Same standard of vehicles and safety cameras need to be in New Forest plate cars. Because they are now working in Southampton under Uber.

6. Some New Forest private hire and Hackney drivers pick up from Southampton streets without booking, again no camera in the car, so they can do it. By doing this, insurance will not cover if anything happens.

Both Southampton and New Forest licensing officers Phil Bates and Paul Weston should be shamed of themselves and not worthy of their position. You know what Uber is doing. They will try to increase business at any cost and that’s why they are using New Forest drivers and cars in Southampton. What do you care.

When will you act, when people are cheated? When an accident happens? If someone is raped? When will you stop this double standard in the same city.

As for you Uber, when I order a taxi in Southampton, I want a Southampton licence driver, with Southampton standard of cars.

Please please act before something eventually goes horribly wrong.

Al Trees, Southampton