Uber customers express anger over snow surcharge

Angry Britons have slammed Uber for hiking its prices over 'a bit of snow'. Photo / Getty Images

Taxi-booking app Uber has faced criticism for increasing their prices as the 90mph Storm Emma and the "Beast from the East" hit Britain with blizzards, ice and flooding leaving public transport across the country to be cancelled.

The firm has charged customers up to five time the normal fare for journeys as the Met office issues six different weather warnings covering almost the entire country today - two amber for "be prepared" and four yellow for "be aware".

Angry Uber users took to social media to share their dismay with the app, reports the Daily Mail.

Richard Silcock, from Manchester, said his journey was "an absolute joke" after being charged £13.20 ($25.16) for a three mile journey.

He added it was "ridiculous" to charge a 2.7 times surcharge for "a bit of snow".

Other frustrated users described the business as "desperate" or "pretty douchey".

One passenger in Birmingham allegedly paid five times the usual fare.

The customer reportedly paid £31 for a three mile journey that usually costs £6.

Another Uber user was charged £16 for a for a two mile journey that usually costs £5. She queried the price and was told "We understand that you never had to pay this much before but the rates are updated based on the demand and supply in real-time."

An Uber spokesperson told MailOnline: "The last few days have been incredibly challenging for transport services and anyone trying to get around. Bad weather has seen more people looking to book a car with Uber but fewer drivers on the road which caused prices to automatically increase.

"Our app uses dynamic pricing to encourage more drivers to pick up fares so that more cars are available. Users can always see a fare estimate before they book and can split the fare with others through the app. We'd encourage both riders and drivers to stay safe and follow the latest travel advice."

It comes as commuters have been left stranded as trains, planes and buses have been cancelled and train stations shut down.

The app has previously come under fire for its pricing model.

Last year, the ridesharing app was branded "absolutely sickening" for increasing its prices during the London Bridge and Borough Market terror attack.

In December, the firm was again criticised for charging a passenger £149 for a 10 mile trip due to the snow.

Uber isn't the only app that's faced criticism for their operations in the snow.

Deliveroo has faced backlash from politicians and cycling safety campaigners after asking their customers to pay an extra pound to incentive drivers to work in extreme weather conditions.

Despite an official "red alert" in Scotland, which means weather conditions are causing a threat to life, the app were still operating.

A spokesperson told MailOnline: "Rider safety is a priority for Deliveroo. Where bad weather is severe Deliveroo stops operating. In other adverse conditions we change our operations to protect riders and ensure they can still earn well if they do choose to ride.

"Deliveroo will continue to monitor the weather conditions, act wherever necessary and remain in close contact with riders."