How effective is blocking their operation anyway, without it being done on a national level?
People in York can not be licensed to operate for Uber due to a similar ban, but that doesn't stop people from nearby Leeds and Doncaster driving in to operate in the area. Given that Leeds is currently under "extra measures" from a C19 PoV, letting people from York drive for Uber would probably be the safer option.
I don't think it is that simple. IIRC they only have the power to not license, or to revoke operating licenses, in their area and they can't stop drivers from other areas coming in.
I'm not sure if this would apply to more traditional cab companies or if it is a factor of Uber drivers being classed as self-employed.
My understanding of minicab licenses is that if you're licensed in Leeds, you are licensed to take a fare from Leeds to York, or from York to Leeds, but not from York to York, or York to Doncaster?
Well, you don’t want to do that because you want the Leeds driver to be able to take a passenger from York to Leeds or he’s never going to realistically be able to take a passenger from Leeds to York (because he’d have to go back empty).
People in York can not be licensed to operate for Uber due to a similar ban, but that doesn't stop people from nearby Leeds and Doncaster driving in to operate in the area. Given that Leeds is currently under "extra measures" from a C19 PoV, letting people from York drive for Uber would probably be the safer option.