An Edinburgh taxi driver has been suspended for two months following two separate incidents of abusive and unsafe behaviour, including one involving a grieving pensioner at a funeral home.
Licence Suspension on Public Safety Grounds
Baris Eroglu, a licensed Edinburgh cab driver, faced the city’s licensing committee after repeated complaints about his conduct. Councillors voted to suspend his licence for two months, ruling he was not a “fit and proper person to hold a licence.”
The decision follows a May 2025 incident in which Eroglu allegedly verbally abused a woman in her seventies after his card reader failed. According to the passenger’s written statement, the driver followed her into a funeral home and subjected her to a “verbal assault.”
“I pointed out that all his abusive behaviour was not going to make cash appear in my purse,” she told the committee.
Previous Warning and Cyclist Clash
The suspension also took into account a separate incident in January 2025 where Eroglu was accused of driving dangerously and shouting at a cyclist.
He had previously received a written warning and was ordered to complete a refresher training course. Licensing officer Catherine Scanlin told councillors that Eroglu had been given “a number of opportunities” to attend the course but failed to comply.
Solicitor Blames Stress and Breakup
Representing Eroglu, solicitor Jonny Nisbet admitted his client showed a “considerable lack of people skills” during the funeral home incident. He explained that Eroglu had been struggling emotionally following a breakup and claimed the cyclist involved in the earlier altercation had made racist remarks.
However, councillors expressed concern that Eroglu continued to portray himself as the victim rather than taking responsibility. Councillor Joan Griffiths remarked: “He’s the victim, the passengers are the one that are causing the problem, so I have real concerns around that.”
Committee’s Final Decision
Councillor Joanna Mowat, chairing the committee, confirmed the two-month suspension, emphasising the importance of public safety.
Councillor Neil Ross added: “He had eight months in which to demonstrate his contrition, his remorse, his understanding that committee weren’t pleased with his behaviour last year, and he failed to do so.”
The decision sends a clear message that inappropriate behaviour towards passengers and failure to comply with licensing conditions will not be tolerated.
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