Council considers a cap on private hire vehicles after 'dramatic' rise
Black cab drivers have raised concern about public safety and increased pollution.
Last updated 25th Oct 2019
Council chiefs will investigate whether to cap the number of private hire vehicles operating in Edinburgh after the taxi trade raised fears over public safety, illegal pick-ups and the environment.
A motion by Green Cllr Susan Rae, calling for officials to draw up a document on capping private hire licences in Edinburgh, received unanimous support.
The move comes after union bosses, representing the black cab trade in Edinburgh, spoke out about fears for the future of their industry, as well as the welfare of passengers and air pollution.
Scott Blair from Unite the Union spoke out about the pressure an increase in private hire licences has put on the taxi trade in Edinburgh.
He said: "We are concerned that there’s not enough work in Edinburgh for the private hire vehicles. Through desperation, they are having to pick up from the streets illegally.
"We would also like more enforcement on the streets of Edinburgh.
"We do think there's an issue in Edinburgh and we want this cleared up."
Mr Blair added that it’s "hugely frustrating" that no action has been taken to cap the number of private hire licences issued.
In April, Glasgow City Council become the first local authority in Scotland to officially cap the number of private hire licences