The East Renfrewshire Licensed Drivers’ Association (ERLDA) has been established following an agreement for the East Renfrewshire Branch of the Scottish Private Hire Association (SPHA) to formally close and move forward independently.

John Paul Duffy, General Secretary of the newly formed association and a founding member of the SPHA, said the move would provide local drivers with a dedicated organisation focused solely on issues affecting licensed drivers in East Renfrewshire.

“ERLDA provides a new and independent identity for both taxi and private hire drivers in East Renfrewshire,” he said.

“Our aim is to ensure that local drivers have a strong, professional and united voice, with a dedicated association focused entirely on protecting and advancing their interests.”

Mr Duffy confirmed that ERLDA will continue to work constructively with the Scottish Private Hire Association on national issues affecting the trade across Scotland while concentrating locally on licensing, enforcement and driver representation within East Renfrewshire.

The same experienced team that previously led the East Renfrewshire Branch of the SPHA will now lead ERLDA, bringing with them a proven record of representation and campaigning on behalf of licensed drivers.

Among the team’s achievements has been the successful campaign to abolish the maximum vehicle age limit in East Renfrewshire, a move widely welcomed by drivers.

The group also established the East Renfrewshire Hire Car Forum, bringing together trade representatives, stakeholders and council officials every quarter to discuss matters affecting the local trade — something many drivers had long argued was badly needed.

In addition, the team has led an ongoing campaign to remove the requirement for licensed vehicles to carry fire extinguishers, with the Council expected to formally approve their removal following positive support in principle.

A key focus of ERLDA will be protecting drivers’ licences and livelihoods. The association provides support and representation at licensing committee hearings, enforcement meetings and other regulatory proceedings where drivers may face issues affecting their ability to work.

The organisation has also launched a modern online membership platform and dedicated Member Portal, allowing members to join online, receive updates, participate in consultations and ballots, submit casework and manage their membership securely from their phone or computer.

Membership costs £8 per month.

Drivers wishing to join the association can do so by visiting: www.erlda.com or directly through the ERLDA Member Portal: https://erlda-member-portal-554858622675.us-west1.run.app...

Speaking about the launch, Mr Duffy added: “This is an exciting new chapter for licensed drivers in East Renfrewshire. We want to build a strong, professional and effective organisation that genuinely represents the interests of both taxi and private hire drivers.

“We would encourage all licensed drivers in the area to get involved and help shape the future of our trade.”

• Share on Facebook
• Share to X