The New Zealand Transport minister has said that ridesharing service Uber could be banned in the country if it does not comply with safety laws.
Minister Simon Bridges said Uber is jeopardising passenger safety by not properly checking its driver’s criminal and medical history.
"Clearly it's an important matter. We want the law enforced and not mocked, as it frankly is being by some at the moment,” said Mr. Bridges.
All drivers in New Zealand need to have a passenger or "P" endorsement, in addition to a police check, a fit-and-proper inspection and regular checks to be able to operate a passenger service vehicle.
While some Uber drivers already have P endorsements, the company has also been carrying out its own vetting policy, which according to some falls short of the required levels.
New Zealand Transport Agency is now looking at the way Uber operates in New Zealand.
In response, Uber could be made illegal, NZ Herald reported.
Though Mr Bridges said it was important not to kill innovation, but he said safety was paramount.
“But safety is paramount. And we cannot have a system where drivers on our roads don't have the medical checks and we don't have an assurance that they haven't got charges pending and may have behaviours that would mean you or I would not want to get into those cars.”
"We don't have the assurance there, and so I want to see everyone, whether it's Uber, whether it's Co-op [or] other taxi drivers, operating on the level playing field."
In New Zealand, Uber drivers may face fines up to $10,000 for not complying with the law.
