A new petition on Change.org, launched by taxi driver “Worried Driver” (Keith Auld), is urging Edinburgh City Council to introduce a cap on the number of private hire vehicle (PHV) licences issued — echoing similar measures in place for black cabs in cities like London.
📉 Why drivers are concerned
- Falling earnings: Many drivers report an oversaturated market where too many vehicles are chasing too few fares. Some private hire drivers claim they are earning less than minimum wage, with one describing the situation as “unsustainable”.
- ‘Like the Wild West’: Black cab drivers say that congestion is worsening and PHV drivers are breaching regulations by waiting at taxi ranks or cruising for passengers — actions that are not permitted under their licensing conditions.
- Licensing imbalance: While there are approximately 1,111 black cabs in Edinburgh (a capped number), estimates suggest there are between 2,400 and 2,700 private hire vehicles — with no cap currently in place.
🚦 What the petition proposes
- Cap the number of PHV licences based on demand and capacity in the city.
- Increase enforcement of licensing conditions to prevent illegal ranking and other rule breaches.
- Consider reforms such as minimum fare levels and a limit on app-based platform commissions, to improve earnings for drivers.
👥 Support is growing
The petition has gathered over 1,600 signatures so far, including from both PHV and black cab drivers. It has also received backing from disabled charities and environmental groups, pointing to wider public support for change.
🏛️ Council response
Edinburgh City Council has acknowledged the ongoing concerns and said it continually monitors the private hire market. However, no formal steps have yet been taken to introduce a cap on PHVs.
Why this matters for edinburgh’s taxi and private hire industry
- A cap could improve driver livelihoods, making the market more sustainable.
- It may help ease congestion and reduce emissions by limiting unnecessary car use in the city centre.
- Better regulation would help protect passenger safety and reinforce confidence in Edinburgh’s transport services.
What’s next?
Organisers are calling for an urgent demand study, stronger licensing enforcement, and immediate consultation with drivers. They believe meaningful change is essential to protect both the trade and the travelling public.
Sign the Petition here.
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