UBER is a web-based firm that connects customers with any vetted drivers which happen to be in the area when the request for a taxi comes in.

While the company’s progress across the globe has been rapid, it has had comparatively slow expansion in the UK, with Bristol being its only other location in the south outside London.

The service is used by downloading an app to a phone and then registering online, giving credit or debit card details in the process.

When the customer wants to use a cab, UBER pinpoints their exact location using GPS.

It then assigns a driver, and provides an estimated price and details of how long the customer will need to wait.

The customer is then able to follow their car until it arrives.

The final fee is not decided until the taxi reaches its destination.

And the 'Split Fare' feature allows passengers to divide the trip fare equally between them.

It is also possible to rate the driver and provide anonymous feedback about the trip.