Posted on the 27th August 2025 in PHTM News

GLASGOW CITY COUNCIL ORDERS INDEPENDENT REVIEW OF PLATE CAP POLICIES

Glasgow City Council has ordered an independent review of its plate cap policy and in response the ?Scottish Private Hire Association - SPHA has issued the following statement:

While the SPHA acknowledges the Council’s commitment to an evidence-based approach, we must express our significant disappointment with the outcome of today's committee decision. We are concerned that this decision undermines the purpose and value of the recent public consultation, which showed overwhelming support for retaining the existing licence caps.

The recent public survey, as highlighted in a Council report, received 4,440 responses, with a resounding 92% in favour of keeping the private hire cap and 90% supporting the taxi cap. Over 3,800 members of the public reported no issues with securing a ride. This level of public engagement and consensus is remarkable and, in our view, should have been a clear and decisive factor in the committee's decision-making.

We have to ask, what was the point of the consultation if not to guide the final decision? We were told this public exercise would inform the Council's path forward on this important issue. The public has spoken, yet their opinion is seemingly being set aside in favour of a second process. It feels like a case of if the Council doesn't get the answer it wants, it will try again until it does.

The SPHA believes the Council’s assertion that a clear conflict of opinions were recieved is questionable. It appears to prioritize a small handful of written submissions from influential voices over the vast majority of the public, whose views were clearly articulated in the survey. This raises serious questions about the fairness of the process and the true influence of powerful commercial interests on local governance.

Furthermore, we are concerned about the financial implications of commissioning another in-depth review, which will be paid for by licence holders. In a time of significant economic challenges for both the Council and the public, we question the wisdom of expending resources on a new study when the public has already provided such a strong and unambiguous response already.

The SPHA remains committed to working with the Council to ensure a safe, fair, and sustainable transport system for all Glaswegians. However, this decision has caused frustration and disappointment among the city's private hire drivers, who feel that their voices and the voices of the public have not been truly heard. We urge the Council to reconsider its approach and listen to the clear will of the people.


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