A total of 18 drivers are facing 29 fines as city bylaw officials target Uber and other internet run ride sharing programs. The city is conducting Project Licensed Ride, a blitz that targets unlicensed vehicle for hire. Under London's bylaws, a licensed driver must undergo a training exam, provide a criminal background check, a ministry drivers abstract and a medical certificate. Their vehicle must be no older than three years, have an interior forward facing camera system, $2-million in insurance and a ministry safety check. Officials say many of those facing fines and charges are from out of town and have vehicles older than the above requirement. The city and other taxi companies in London have spoke out against Uber launching its ride-share program here. It allows those looking for a ride to match with drivers through a smart phone app. "The fines are in the $500 each range," Katolyk tells BlackburnNews.com. "We are targeting all unlicensed drivers, whether you're using an app such as Uber or Lift or you're advertising on various social media sites like Kijiji and Facebook." Uber launched in London over a month ago. Katolyk says he cannot comment on how many of those charged were actually Uber drivers, since the cases are now before the courts.
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