Uber has launched a brand-new travel service, and it means pet owners can now bring their four-legged friends along for the ride.
Having already proved to be an extremely-popular service in the US, the leading app-powered minicab company has now launched Uber Pet here in the UK this week, and it lets you book dedicated pet-friendly rides in advance for an additional surcharge of £2 across Manchester.
Previously, it was at the discretion of drivers whether they allowed passengers to travel with an animal in an Uber, but now that’s all changed.
Now, when you order an Uber Pet journey, customers will be matched with drivers who are eligible and willing to transport people with their pets.
Uber Pet has launched in Manchester, London, Leeds, Bristol, and Bath, and is limited to one pet per trip, but if you have more pets with you, then you’ll just need to notify the driver first and it’s then up to the them to decide if they want to take them on the trip.
Introducing Uber Pet 🐕🐈⬛ As of today, you can now ride with your furry friend anywhere in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Bristol and Bath, for a small fee, by tapping Uber Pet when choosing your ride. https://t.co/A4XgA5S1XJpic.twitter.com/mGEA2clFON
The company says that Uber Pet is “suitable for dogs and cats”, and that if you’re travelling with a less-common pet, then your driver will have the right of refusal, so you’ll just need to inform them before ordering the trip.
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Passengers travelling with a service animal can continue to use the regular Uber option.
A maximum of three riders may ride with Uber Pet, and once again, additional riders will be left to the discretion of the driver.
Customers are fully responsible for controlling furry friends while on the trip.
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When you order an Uber Pet journey, customers will be matched with drivers who are eligible / Credit: Flickr
Speaking on the launch of the new pet-friendly ride service, Andrew Brem – General Manager at Uber UK – said: “We’re really happy to be launching Uber Pet in the UK, bringing even more convenient travel options to our riders [as] with COVID-19 restrictions lifted, it’s the perfect time for new pets to get out and about again with you, no matter what your plans.”
If all of that wasn’t brilliant enough as it is, Uber has also said that it’ll donate £1 from every Uber Pet fare across the UK to the charity All Dogs Matter.
The charity works to “transform the lives of unwanted and abandoned dogs”.
GMP officer sentenced after hitting pedestrian during police chase in Rochdale
Emily Sergeant
A police officer has been sentenced this week after he struck and ‘seriously injured’ a pedestrian following a pursuit of a suspected drink driver in Rochdale.
35-year-old Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officer PC Sam Lockley pleaded guilty back in January 2026 following an Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation.
The IOPC investigation established that, in the early hours of the morning on 19 November 2023, PC Lockley was driving a marked police vehicle with the lights and sirens activated, and attempted to stop a suspected drunk driver on Drake Street in Rochdale.
A short pursuit that commenced but stopped merely a minute later after the police vehicle collided with a pedestrian on the footpath of Rochdale Road at approximately 3:30am.
The evidence gathered indicated that PC Lockley failed to slow down as he approached and drove through the red traffic lights at the Kingsway junction, and was travelling at a speed of 96mph in a 30mph zone.
The pedestrian suffered ‘serious injuries’ as a result of the collision, and received extensive medical treatment following.
At a hearing back in February of this year, PC Lockley received a two-year suspended sentence and was ordered to carry out 15 days community service, while also receiving two-year driving disqualification.
Also following the investigation, the IOPC decided that Lockley should face a gross misconduct hearing to face allegations that his manner of driving breached the police standards of professional behaviour.
“We continue to liaise with the force about disciplinary proceedings,” the IOPC concluded.
IOPC Director Amanda Rowe added: “My sympathies remain with the man, who sustained serious injuries, and all those affected by the incident.
“This was a complex investigation which relied on extensive amounts of data and expert analysis and the evidence showed PC Lockley drove at excessive speeds at night-time and although he was responding to a report of a suspected drink driver, it does not excuse his manner of driving.
“PC Lockley admitted he drove in a dangerous manner when he didn’t address hazards or warnings during the pursuit and ultimately by the time he saw the pedestrian, he was travelling too fast to avoid a collision.
“His actions that day have had long-lasting consequences and he has now been held accountable.”
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Manchester Town Hall is FINALLY taking wedding and events bookings for the first time since 2018
Emily Sergeant
A new era is on the horizon, as Manchester Town Hall has announced that it’ll be finally taking bookings for weddings and events once again.
That’s right… for the first time since it closed its doors to the public for what is the UK’s biggest restoration project to date back in 2018, one of Manchester’s most iconic landmarks is soon set to welcome its first weddings and events in a decade – with bookings for the city’s most romantic address now open once again.
Manchester Town Hall has stood at the centre of civic life in the city since 1877, and for generations, couples have exchanged their vows within its walls.
Now, as it enters the home stretch of its restoration, the Grade I-listed building is gearing up to kickstart weddings and corporate events from January 2028.
Set reopen to the public next year, first up will be a series of celebratory reopening events – which are yet to be announced – before a phased approach will then allow the building and teams to be fully prepared to host commercial events again from 2028.
Manchester Town Hall has announced that it’s finally taking wedding and events bookings for the first time since 2018 / Credit: Supplied
From its grand architecture and soaring stained glass windows, to sweeping staircases that offer the perfect ‘just married’ photo opportunities, this one-of-a-kind venue gives couples the opportunity to combine the romance and grandeur of a historic setting with the energy of a city centre celebration.
Inside the restored building, you’ll find The Great Hall, which is a magnificent setting with striking architectural character, as well as The Conference Hall, The Banqueting Hall, and The Reception Room, all of which offer equally characterful spaces that are perfect for private dinners, ceremonies, or corporate events.
The Lord Mayor’s Parlour is one of many settings overlooking the newly reopened Albert Square, while various elegant reception areas provide the perfect location for drinks and arrival moments.
“Our Town Hall is a real Victorian masterpiece and we’re looking forward to sharing it with the public once again,” explained Cllr Garry Bridges, who is Leader of Manchester City Council, as bookings finally open up this week.
“It’s a special building which belongs to the people and it’s great that they will be able to celebrate important landmarks in their lives, such as marriage, in its spectacular setting.
“The Town Hall is full of history. Here’s to many more stories being written within its walls.”
Want to be one of the first people who gets married or hosts an event at Manchester Town Hall once it reopens in 2028? You can enquire about booking here.
Emily Sergeant -
27th April 2022 
