GREEN LIGHT FOR EDINBURGH TAXI OUTING AFTER POLICE ESCORT ROW

The annual Edinburgh Taxi Outing which began in the 1940s - takes children with additional support needs, life-limiting conditions and terminal illnesses for a day out - was shelved earlier this week after officers declined to provide a motorbike escort due to a "policy change".

Taxi drivers said that decision meant they could no longer guarantee the "safety and comfort" of the children due to the risk of becoming stuck in traffic.

But, following a meeting, taxi officials and senior officers have now agreed an "outline plan" for the drive which will allow the event to proceed as planned on 9 June.

A final decision is expected to be ratified during a meeting between the police, taxi outing organising committee and City of Edinburgh Council on Thursday.

Keith J Bell, organiser of the outing, previously said he believed Police Scotland had misinterpreted the rules.

But he said a "workable solution" had been found which would allow the event to go ahead following a meeting with the assistant chief constable.

He added: "I'm hopeful we will be able to finalise a plan that allows the event to take place, which will be great news for the children and families involved.

"I would like to thank everyone who contacted the police, their MP, their MSPs and others and the outing committee is deeply humbled by the love and support that has been shown by so many."

Police Scotland said "constructive discussions" had been held to ensure the outing was able to run on its original route.

Supt Neil Wilson said further discussions would take place to "finalise" the police operation and "ensure the children enjoy their day."

City of Edinburgh Council called an emergency meeting over the initial decision to cancel the event on Tuesday.

Local authority staff may be called on to help facilitate the event.

Council leader Jane Meagher said she was "overjoyed and relieved" that a solution had been found.

She added: "I know how valued and important this event is to families across the city and look forward to seeing the wonderful sight of brightly decorated taxis on our streets once again – in what I'm sure will be another fun-filled and memorable day out."

Read another story

WOMAN JAILED AFTER CRIME SPREE INVOLVING STOLEN TAXI HAMMER ATTACK AND ASSAULTS ON PARAMEDICS

Mia Stebbings, of North Walsham, was jailed last month after committing multiple offences across Dereham and her hometown.

LICENSING OFFICERS ASKED TO CHECK TAXI PRIVATE HIRE DRIVERS FOR MOTABILTY FRAUD

"Can I draw your attention to the new eForm on the Motability Operations webpage for reporting misuse.

MANCHESTER AIRPORT MEETING AGREED TO DISCUSS DANGEROUS UNSANITARY CONDITIONS IN DRIVER WAITING

The ADCU has welcomed Manchester Airport's agreement to meet with the union to discuss urgent concerns regarding the conditions faced by PH drivers using the airport's designated waiting area.

TAXI AND PH AMONGST THE UK SECTORS MOST IMPACTED BY INFLATION AS COST SURGE 54 PER CENT

The cost of running a business has risen significantly in the past decade, reshaping the business landscape across the UK.

MAN SEEN ASSAULTING CABBIE IN NORTHAMPTON ... CAN YOU HELP?

The incident happened near to the Palmerston Road and Cliftonville junction on Saturday, May 23, between 1.45am and 2am, when a man was seen assaulting a taxi driver.

PHTM SO PROUD OF OUR TRADE: THIS POST WAS SHARED ON LINKEDIN

I travelled to London to visit my critically ill grandson at Great Ormond Street Hospital. After arriving at Paddington, I jumped into a black cab across the city.

ADDISON LEE ROLLS OUT CPR TRAINING WITH ST JOHNS AMBULANCE AFTER DRIVER HELPS SAVE PASSENGER'S LIFE

Godwin Omotobora joined twenty Addison Lee drivers on 27th May for a training session at its West Drayton Fleet Hub, delivered by St John Ambulance staff, to share his first-hand experience and encourage other drivers to

ADDISON LEE ROLLS OUT CPR TRAINING AFTER DRIVER HELPS SAVE PASSENGERS LIFE

Godwin Omotobora joined twenty Addison Lee drivers on 27th May for a training session to share his first-hand experience and encourage other drivers to learn the skills that helped him to save a life.

BRADFORD PRIVATE HIRE BOSS FINED AFTER BLAMING SOFTWARE ISSUE FOR UNLICENSED DRIVER

Imran Khan, 43, the operator of Aireside Private Hire, failed to attend his scheduled hearing at Bradford Magistrates Court.

CCTV RELEASED AFTER BEER BOTTLE SMASHES NOTTINGHAM TAXI WINDOW OUTSIDE KFC

The incident took place at around 3:15 am on April 18 outside the fast-food restaurant on Milton Street.

WELL DONE TO CORKER CARS ST ALBANS FOR SUPPORTING THE ELDERLY IN THEIR COMMUNITY

"From the moment we set off, there was laughter and excitement in the air. After enjoying breakfast, we headed to the seaside where everyone had the opportunity to relax and take in the sea air.

ABERDEEN SPLIT OVER THE FUTURE OF TAXI KNOWLEDGE TEST

Out of roughly 1,800 responses gathered by Aberdeen City Council, 45.5% voted to keep the test, while 43.1% argued it should be scrapped entirely.

TAXI LANDS ON TOP OF PARKED CARS IN DRAMATIC NEWPORT ROAD CRASH

Emergency services rushed to Bassaleg Road, near the Handpost pub, shortly after midday on Friday, May 22, after a taxi collided with two stationary vehicles.

EDINBURGH COUNCIL DEMANDS EMERGENCY TALKS AFTER ICONIC ANNUAL TAXI OUTING CANCELLED

The 78th annual Edinburgh Taxi Trades Outing, which sees a parade of balloon-covered black cabs drive vulnerable children through the capital, was scheduled for June 9.

CHANCE TAXI REUNION ALLOWS GLASGOW DRIVER TO THANK PASSENGER WHO SAVED HIS LIFE FROM PROSTATE CANCER

In 2024, driver Brian Kelly, 66, picked up Tam Hewitt, a 76-year-old volunteer for Prostate Cancer UK. During the journey, Mr Hewitt spoke about the importance of getting checked for the disease.

HERO VAN DRIVER RESCUES OBLIVIOUS TAXI PASSENGERS FROM M60 VEHICLE FIRE

The van driver was travelling along the motorway in Greater Manchester near Simister Island on Thursday when he spotted flames coming from the cab.

NEW INDEPENDENT TRADE ASSOCIATION LAUNCHED IN EAST RENFREWSHIRE

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

UBER DRIVER PUNCHED OUSIDE ACCRINGTON PUB

The angry driver contacted PHTM to share his story...

FOUR TAXIS SUSPENDED AND ONE DRIVER ARRESTED DURING CRACKDOWN ON BRADFORD ROAD

The multi-agency operation took place on Thursday on Great Horton Road, targeting vehicle compliance, road safety, licensing rules, and environmental crime.

MAN CHARGED AFTER TAXI DRIVER STRANGLED AND ROBBED IN CARLTON, NOTTS