Brampton council says Uber a "public safety concern"

Two Ottawa Uber drivers pleaded guilty to driving unlicensed taxis on Thursday, and will be forced to cough up $400 in fines. (File Photo)

Brampton city council has declared that Uber presents a "public safety concern" and is asking the ride-sharing service to halt operations pending a review of bylaws in the city northwest of Toronto.

The 11-member council voted unanimously to request a suspension of Uber-X services as a good-faith gesture while city staff examine the bylaws governing taxi and limo services.

Taxi drivers who packed the council chamber for the three-hour debate cheered and applauded afterwards.

The motion also included a request to establish a minimum five-thousand dollar fine for Uber drivers contravening the law.