Posted on the 18th August 2026 in PHTM News

VITAL GLASGOW TAXI RANK SAVED AFTER BACKLASH OVER SAFETY COMPLAINTS

A prominent 24-hour taxi rank in Glasgow's west end will remain open after a proposal to scrap it faced a massive backlash from drivers.

Glasgow City Council's licensing committee rejected a local resident's request to revoke the historic rank on Queen Margaret Drive, which has served the area for over 70 years.

The resident had petitioned to remove the rank, claiming it was "overcrowded and not fit for purpose" and warning that "it is only a matter of time before a serious accident happens due to the position of the rank."

A representative for the applicant argued that modern taxis are too long to fit four vehicles in the space, leading to illegal double parking, hazardous U-turns across four lanes of traffic, and early-morning anti-social behaviour in the residential street.

However, the trade fiercely defended the location, generating more than 30 objections. Dougie McPherson of Glasgow Taxis stressed the importance of the site at a major intersection near popular venues, stating: "Other than the city’s rail stations and bus station, I cannot think of a single location that requires or justifies a rank more than Queen Margaret Drive."

He added: "From a trade perspective, public hire taxis operate in challenging times and they are a key part of the city’s culture infrastructure."

Objector Robert Finlayson noted that the taxis serve the local nightlife and argued that any driving offences should be handled by police rather than closing the facility, saying: "Whilst there may be objections to drivers committing road traffic offences, I don’t believe that is an issue that should be up to the licensing committee. That is something that should be taken to Police Scotland."

Michael Meehan from Unite the union also emphasised the rank's historic significance, pointing out that removing the taxis would not stop passengers from gathering at the busy junction.

Following the strong local support, councillors unanimously refused the revocation request.


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