DOZENS of York taxi drivers have taken part in a protest around the city.

About 70 private hire and Hackney Carriage drivers drove slowly around the city today, flying flags and handing out leaflets to passengers, as part of a nationally coordinated protest against Uber.

Lynn Brook, GMB regional organiser for the area, said the decision on Friday by Transport for London to refuse to renew Uber's licence in the capital was "a bit of a gift" in bringing the matter into the public eye, and the reaction from people in York had been positive throughout the morning.

She said: "We've got about nine registered Uber drivers in York, however on the recent race day there was a stand put up for Uber drivers and multiple drivers - in excess of 50.

"It's about making sure that the council and the councillors know that there are these people who are operating in York and giving York a bad reputation and York taxi drivers a bad reputation, so it's about bringing it to the attention of the public but also to the council and the councillors who are responsible for people who live here too."

Wendy Loveday, Fleetways driver and GMB representative, said the council "seemed to be ignoring" some of the problems caused by out of town vehicles, including Uber.

She said: "We have a minimum of 26 Transport for London drivers working here in York alongside drivers from Bradford, Leeds, Wakefield - you name it, they're here.

"It's not about them stealing our business, it's about public safety. Public safety is absolutely paramount to this council, and yet we can't seem to get through to them. We need to make them aware that they are responsible. They are elected members of the council and they are responsible for the safety of the passengers in our cars."

Ms Brook added: "The York drivers pride themselves on looking after the residents of York and the people visiting York, it's their livelihood that's at stake and if they (UBER DRIVERS) aren't properly registered and there are things happening in York they have no control over, that's going to be a big problem for them and the reputation of York itself."

Uber said this weekend the decision in London would not affect its operation in York.

Matt Boxall, head of public protection at City of York Council, said: "We take licencing the York trade very seriously and, besides joint enforcement activities with the police, are currently working with the local trade to find ways to further improve safety.

"We continue to ask those with concerns to email them to public.protection@york.gov.uk so we can, where appropriate, investigate."