Posted on the 6th August 2025 in PHTM News
EDINBURGH COUNCIL TO REVIEW PH LICENCE CAP FOLLOWING TAXI DRIVER PETITION
Edinburgh's Regulatory Committee is set to review the number of private hire licences in the city following a petition from taxi drivers.
The petition, which has over 1,200 signatures, calls for a cap on the number of private hire vehicles to address concerns about driver safety and the sustainability of the taxi industry.
According to the petition's organiser, black cab driver Keith Auld, the influx of private hire cars, many of which work for rideshare companies such as Uber and Bolt, poses a risk to the livelihoods of taxi drivers.
Auld stated: "It’s a risk to our livelihoods because there’s too many cars chasing the same jobs. Ultimately, something’s going to have to give."
He added that with approximately 3,000 private hire cars compared to the city's 1,316 licensed taxis, the industry is "beyond the tipping point."
In addition to economic concerns, drivers have raised safety issues, fearing that private hire drivers are working dangerously long hours to make a living.
Jamie Stalker, secretary of Edinburgh’s Unite taxi drivers’ branch, expressed worry that drivers are "working anywhere up to 10 to 15, 16, 17 hours every day. That’s dangerous."
Stalker pointed out that while some apps have a time limit, drivers can simply switch to another app, leading to a lack of oversight.
The council has a cap of 1,316 on taxi licences, with 211 currently available.
A previous review in 2022 concluded that a cap on private hire cars was not needed. However, the new petition will be considered at a meeting of the Regulatory Committee on Friday, August 8.
The committee has the authority to take action on the petition if deemed necessary.
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