Private hire drivers in Edinburgh are set to stage a ‘go-slow’ protest on Thursday 28 August to highlight long-running grievances with the City Council.
The demonstration, organised by Edinburgh Private Hire Drivers United, will begin at 9am with drivers assembling at Lochside Crescent in South Gyle. At 10am, the convoy will move off at a slow pace towards the council offices on East Market Street, where it is expected to arrive around 10:45am.
Key Issues Behind the Protest
- Access to Bus Lanes and Gates
Unlike hackney carriages, private hire vehicles are banned from using bus lanes and gates, forcing longer routes, increased congestion, and higher emissions. - Window Tint Policy
Current licensing rules require drivers to remove factory-fitted tinted windows, which the group says is an unnecessary and costly requirement. - Better Engagement from the Council
Drivers want improved dialogue with the council on policy decisions, ensuring their voices are heard when shaping transport and licensing policy in the city.
Drivers Speak Out
A spokesperson for the group said:
“We are a vital part of Edinburgh’s transport network, providing hundreds of thousands of journeys every week, from school runs to late-night travel. Despite this, we are treated as second-class to the Hackney trade and are repeatedly ignored on key issues. We want to be treated as part of the solution to Edinburgh’s transport challenges, not as part of the problem. We hope this action will finally get the council to listen to our concerns.”
Source: PHTM
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