Private hire vehicle (PHV) numbers in Edinburgh have surged past 3,000, prompting urgent calls from taxi drivers and all the major players across the city for the council to carry out the long-overdue annual overprovision survey. Despite the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 requiring regular reviews, the last official survey was conducted in 2022.
With 3.5 new private hire licences reportedly being granted every day, licensed black cab drivers say the city is now saturated with PHVs—creating not just economic pressure, but serious public safety and enforcement concerns.
Trade bodies from across the sector met yesterday and united in their demand for action, describing the current situation as “Wild West activity” on the city’s streets.
Enforcement Lapses Fueling Rule-Breaking
Frustration is mounting as reports of private hire drivers breaching licensing conditions continue to rise. Incidents include:
- PHV drivers allegedly picking up unbooked fares—an act that is illegal and undermines the safety of passengers.
- Drivers switching off apps like Uber to negotiate fares directly with the public.
- Plying for trade at official black cab ranks, an act restricted solely to licensed hackney taxis.
Such activities put the public at risk. PHV insurance is only valid when a job has been pre-booked. Any ride accepted off the street is technically uninsured—meaning if an accident occurs, passengers have no legal claim.
“This is more than just a licensing issue—it’s a serious public safety matter,” said one union representative. “Every day, people are unknowingly putting themselves at risk.”
A Strain on Edinburgh’s Roads and Infrastructure
The spike in private hire vehicles isn’t just affecting drivers’ livelihoods; it’s impacting the city’s infrastructure too. Black cab drivers describe weekend scenes where the Grassmarket resembles a “Hyundai Ioniq manufacturing plant,” with PHVs dominating the area.
The oversupply is believed to be contributing to traffic congestion, making it more difficult for trams and buses to move freely, and harming the environment and accessibility for disabled passengers.
Petition Gains Momentum Across the Board
A petition calling for the City of Edinburgh Council to immediately carry out an overprovision survey is gaining traction, with support now coming from a wide range of stakeholders including disability advocacy groups, environmental campaigners, and even individual private hire drivers.
Until recently, the petition had not been formally backed by an official union or association. However, following yesterday’s meeting, the entire taxi trade—including all major unions and associations—gave their full endorsement.
Recent media coverage has pushed the issue into the public spotlight, with national outlets such as STV News, Edinburgh Evening News, DM News, TaxiPoint, and The National reporting on the crisis.
A Simple Ask: Do What the Law Requires
The demand is clear: enforce existing legislation. Under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982, the council has a duty to monitor and assess the provision of licensed vehicles within the city.
Drivers say the reality on the streets is already painfully obvious—but a formal overprovision report is essential to finally trigger a licensing cap and restore balance.
“We see it with our own eyes, and we feel it in our pockets. What’s happening to our trade is devastating. The City of Edinburgh Council needs to act—and act now,” said one veteran black cab driver.
The official handover to the Lord Provost will take place on 10th July at 10am. Head to the City Chambers, show your support for the trade, and make your voice heard. Sign the petition to cap the number of private hire vehicles in Edinburgh: Visit Change.org
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