An Uber driver is furious and says he is losing business because police are stopping him accessing a car park in Watford town centre.

The driver also believes the safety of vulnerable passengers is being compromised because they are having to walk further to find their ride.

The claims come after Ubers and other ride-hailing firms were banned from waiting in the Sainsbury's car park as clubbers spill out from the nearby clubs and bars.

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The Watford Observer understands it is a move by the police and council to "minimise the risk of public disorder".

Watford Observer: Sainsbury's car park in Watford town centre where taxis wait to pick up people who have been on a night out. Image: Google Street ViewSainsbury's car park in Watford town centre where taxis wait to pick up people who have been on a night out. Image: Google Street View (Image: Google Street View)

However, Mohammed, who only wished to give his first name, has hit out and says there has been "chaos" over the last two weekends.

The Uber driver said: "Uber drivers have been picking people from Sainsbury's for years but suddenly the police stopped this with no warning. 

"People have been coming out drunk and looking for their taxi because they can't find us. I've lost out on £186 in fares because people are just cancelling on us.

"And we've been given nowhere else to go so you've got Ubers just queuing up on the main road and arguments. It's not safe at all - it's been chaotic."

He added: "You've got lone women walking further who could be followed, intoxicated groups heading towards busier roads. It feels totally unsafe."

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Watford Observer: The access to Albert Road South, where Sainsbury's is accessed from, and where police are restricting vehicle access. Image: Google Street ViewThe access to Albert Road South, where Sainsbury's is accessed from, and where police are restricting vehicle access. Image: Google Street View (Image: Google Street View)

Watford councillor Glen Saffery told the Watford Observer on Saturday that police are allowed to let Uber and other ride-hailing app drivers into the car park but only if they can prove they are picking up or dropping off people.

But Mohammed says police were refusing to let Ubers in on Friday and Saturday night, even though he says he showed evidence of a booking. 

Watford Borough Council licensed taxis are being allowed in and those vehicles have been given no waiting ban.

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Watford Observer: Ubers are picking up and dropping off passengers in Beechen Grove instead. Image: UGCUbers are picking up and dropping off passengers in Beechen Grove instead. Image: UGC (Image: UGC)

Mohammed also says he wants more clarity on why a ban has been issued for Ubers. 

He said: "I've only ever seen one fight in Sainsbury's car park. They were saying it is due to antisocial behaviour but this weekend, they're saying it is to make easier to catch offenders so they don't jump straight in a taxi. 

"It feels like there is an ulterior motive."

Herts Police have been approached for comment. 

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