Leonardo “Leo” Machado, 17, died in a motorbike accident while working illegally as a food delivery driver in the Dorset town of Poole.
The driver, who was working for Uber Eats using a rented delivery licence, lost control of his motorcycle before crashing into the railings.
Now councils across the country, including those in Norfolk, are looking at what policies and measures are currently in place for obtaining such licences in the wake of the tragedy.
And already questions have been asked locally following the deportation delivery drivers working illegally in Norwich after being caught in a Home Office crackdown.
The department believes delivery rider accounts for the companies are being shared with migrants, allowing them to work illegally.
Police officers stop a delivery driver on an e-bike in Norwich (Image: Norfolk Police)
TEEN’S TRAGIC DEATH
An inquest into the death of Mr Machado heard the teen had made off at “excessive speed” when police officers attempted to stop him as he waited at a red light in 2023.
An inquest at Bournemouth Coroner’s Court ruled he died from traumatic head and neck injuries.
So concerned that a tragedy like this could happened again, area coroner Brendan Allen issued a prevention of future deaths report highlighting “significant national concern” regarding the way delivery licences were regulated by the likes of Uber Eats, Deliveroo and Just Eat.
Mr Allen said the lack of oversight from food delivery companies meant that under-18s could exploit the rules to earn some money, putting them at risk when on the road.
He issued the report to the Secretary of State for the Home Office, and in turn has made councils across the country look at their own safety measures and potential risks.
Bournemouth Coroner’s Court (Image: Google Street View)
RENTED PITFALLS
The inquest heard Mr Machado had “rented” an Uber Eats delivery licence at the time of the crash, despite being too young to obtain one himself.
On April 16, 2023, Mr Machado was riding a 599cc Yamaha sports bike with an Uber Eats delivery box attached to the rear when he crashed.
And while police denied they were actually in pursuit of him during the inquest, coroner Mr Allen was more concerned about the lack of oversight of the licensing of delivery drivers.
The inquest heard he was not licensed to use such a motorcycle as it requires a category A driving licence, for which drivers need to be at least 21.
Mr Allen said: “There is significant national concern about the ‘rental’ of food delivery licences to under-18s.
“In general terms, food delivery platforms place age restrictions on those who can obtain a licence to deliver food.
“However, there appears to be no oversight of the rental of these licences to those under the age limit.”
Views from Mousehold Heath in Norwich (Image: Newsquest)
PROBLEM EXTENDS TO NORFOLK
Following the teen’s death, councils in Norfolk have raised concerns about such licences but explained that currently there were limits to what they could do.
North Norfolk District Council (Image: Archant)
North Norfolk District Council (NNDC) described how it had “limited powers” on such food delivery services.
An NNDC spokesperson said: “Unlike Uber Rides, which need to be provided by a licensed Private Hire Operator, Uber Eats’ riders are not required to hold a private hire driver licence or be licensed under a Private Hire Operator.
“The business creating the food for delivery must be licensed by the local authority, but the driver only needs a valid driving licence, insurance and the right to work.
“NNDC does not oversee or issue food delivery licenses since the activity isn’t currently licensable, however we always aim to align our policies with the recommended guidance.”
The West Norfolk and Norwich City Council also confirmed they also do not licence this type of activity.
Police officers stopping a delivery driver in Norwich (Image: Norfolk Police)
The councils’ concerns follow the recent deportation of delivery drivers after a Home Office crackdown in the county.
Delivery drivers working illegally in Norwich were deported after being caught. The Indian workers were arrested by officers as part of an operation targeting the so-called gig-economy.
Across the county, 171 people were arrested, including 60 who were detained for removal from the UK.
The Home Office has not revealed details of when the arrests were made or the businesses the delivery riders were working for.
Ministers have been working with Deliveroo, Just Eat and Uber Eats to address concerns of abuse in the sector and ramping up identity checks to tackle account-sharing.
The department believes delivery rider accounts for the companies are being shared with migrants, allowing them to work illegally.
A Home Office spokesman said: “This government has taken firm action to tackle illegal working and is working closely with industry partners to ensure that only registered account holders can access the platforms.”
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
An Uber Eats spokeswoman said the company was “deeply saddened” by Mr Machado’s death.
She added: “In recent years we have refined and added to our suite of industry leading account-sharing detection signals to help ensure only account holders or registered substitutes are using the account.
“If we become aware of someone delivering on the platform who may be under 18 or attempting to share their account with a minor we take immediate action, including reporting to law enforcement or relevant authorities.”
The prevention of future deaths report was also sent to Deliveroo and Just Eat.