The Edinburgh taxi trade has launched a new public safety campaign urging passengers to think twice before getting into vehicles that have not been properly booked.
Keith Auld contacted DM News to highlight the initiative, which has been introduced under the clear message: “If it’s not booked, don’t get in.”
The campaign is being led by Unite the Union and the Association of Hackney Carriage Drivers of the City of Edinburgh, with support from City Cabs and Central Radio Taxis.
Why the campaign has been launched
According to the trade bodies involved, the campaign follows reported cases involving illegal pick-ups, overcharging, and, in some instances, women being sexually assaulted or subjected to distressing experiences.
They say these incidents have reinforced concerns around passenger safety when people enter vehicles that have not been properly booked through a licensed operator.
Passenger safety has long been at the core of the licensed taxi profession in Edinburgh. However, recent reports have prompted the trade to take a more visible and proactive approach to public awareness.
Understanding the legal difference
As part of the campaign, visual materials are being circulated on social media explaining the key legal and safety differences between hackney carriages and private hire vehicles.
Licensed hackney carriages (taxis):
- Can be hailed on the street
- Can wait at taxi ranks
- Are insured for immediate hire
- Display a lit TAXI roof sign
- Are licensed and regulated by the local authority
Private hire vehicles:
- Must be pre-booked through a licensed operator
- Cannot accept street hails
- Cannot legally pick up passengers without a confirmed booking
- May not have valid insurance if operating without a pre-booking
The message is simple: if a private hire vehicle has not been properly booked through a licensed operator, it is not operating within the law.
“No booking = do not get in”
The campaign stresses that entering an unbooked vehicle is no different from getting into a stranger’s car.
Trade representatives are using social media platforms and shareable graphics to reinforce the message, aiming to reach as many residents and visitors to Edinburgh as possible.
The core warning being shared across the city is:
No pre-booking = do not get in.
DM News Commentary
This is a strong and clear message from the Edinburgh trade.
Across the UK, confusion still exists between taxis (hackney carriages) and private hire vehicles. Many passengers simply see a car and assume it can take them, without understanding the legal framework behind how each vehicle is allowed to operate.
The rules are there for a reason. Licensing, insurance, and operator controls are designed to protect passengers as well as drivers. When those rules are bypassed, safety and accountability can quickly disappear.
Education is key. A simple phrase like “If it’s not booked, don’t get in” is easy to remember and could prevent serious incidents.
For passengers, the takeaway is straightforward:
If you’re using a private hire vehicle, make sure it’s booked properly through a licensed operator. If you’re hailing on the street, make sure it’s a licensed taxi.
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