UNITE the union’s Edinburgh Taxi Branch have called on Edinburgh City Council to begin an inquiry into the increasing number of private hire licenses operating in the City.
In 2017, the number of private hire cars in the capital had doubled in the space of 12 months,
The demand is supported by over 500 cab drivers and supporters who have signed a petition calling for an over-provisioning survey to be undertaken by the Licensing Committee.
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Drivers with flags, banners, taxis and a large trailer will be presenting the petition tomorrow to council
officials at Parliament Square at 11am where Unite taxi representatives will also be available for photo opportunities and to respond to questions.
Scott Blair, Chair of the Unite Edinburgh Cab Branch said “The number of licenses in Edinburgh should be a cause of concern for cab drivers, private hire drivers and passengers.
By continuing to increase the number of vehicles licensed to be on the road then Edinburgh risks increased congestion in one of the most polluted cities in the UK.”
Blair described “serious concerns” which have been raised to the council, regarding what he described as “flagrant breaches of regulations” that occur throughout Edinburgh particularly at the weekends.
He added: “The refusal of Edinburgh City Council to include enforcement as part of its regulation of the trade puts the public at risk from unscrupulous and illegal operators. Drivers and the public are rightly demanding a dedicated enforcement team. As ambassadors for Edinburgh, we play a vital role in supporting Edinburgh as a destination of choice for tourists and residents. Councils across Scotland and the wider UK have taken the lead, now it’s time for Edinburgh to follow.”
Cabbies have faced a worrisome year with concerns. Earlier this year, taxi drivers brought forward claims of “pirate” operators who were making fares from illegal pickups. They also raised concerns over their vehicles not meeting emissions standards and the massive costs associated with upgrading vehicles to meet the council’s new standards.
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