
Edinburgh’s taxi fleet may be the next to feature digital advertising screens as local councillors prepare to vote on a new proposal.
The company behind the move, LA Trading, is seeking permission to install the devices on the driver’s side of the internal safety barriers, a service it already provides in cities such as Manchester and Brighton.
While the screens would be optional for drivers, the firm has promised strict controls over what passengers see.
According to documents submitted to the council, there will be no ads featuring alcohol, tobacco, gambling, or vaping. The company also guaranteed that no content would "defame" race, gender, religious belief, or lifestyle, stating they are "experienced"and "would not allow anything to get past us."
The screens are designed to operate without sound and can be switched off instantly if a passenger requests it.
To sweeten the deal, LA Trading offered the council free airtime for health and safety messages, claiming they could reach 1.2 million riders a month if their initial goal of 200 installations is met.
Despite these promises, council officers have raised some minor concerns. A report noted that the screens might result in "some reduction" of a driver’s ability to monitor the "general wellbeing" of their passengers.
However, licensing officials did not formally object to the plan, provided the screens meet safety standards.
They have recommended that each screen be individually inspected at the city’s taxi testing centre for a fee of £77.
Addressing safety worries, LA Trading insisted the hardware is secure and would "not become a missile" in the event of a crash.
The firm added that the screens are attached with simple adhesives to ensure they do not damage the vehicles or void manufacturer warranties.

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“Hello drivers, today I was working with police colleagues, South Glos Licensing and DVSA. 

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