New Eye-in-the-sky cameras deployed at Edinburgh Airport to catch rogue taxi and private hire driver

A new high-tech eye in the sky has been deployed at Edinburgh Airport to crackdown on rogue taxi drivers picking up passengers illegally.  According to reports in the Edinburgh Evening News, cameras will catch any taxis or private hires that contravene bylaws by picking-up passengers in the wrong area.

The latest crackdown comes after airport bosses noticed a rise in touting, tailgating through the exit barriers and congestion. Adrian Witherow, Chief Operating Officer at Edinburgh Airport said: “The safety of staff and passengers is always our number one priority and practices like touting and tailgating must be addressed to ensure the drop-off zone is a safe environment for everyone. “It’s important that we provide a steady supply of taxis and private hire cars for passengers who land in Edinburgh but, unfortunately, a rise in these unsafe practices is impacting on our ability to do that. 

"Touting is also denying our licenced taxis business and we have a responsibility to protect the integrity of that service, especially when that agreement ensures a supply of cars available for our passengers and customers at all hours of the day. “We hope that these measures will encourage all operators to act in a responsible and safe manner and encourage them to adhere to the agreements that are in place to deliver a positive experience for passengers and drivers.”

New signage has been installed to warn drivers of the consequences of picking up in restricted areas. 

Any vehicles that pick-up passengers in the drop off zone will receive a parking charge notice of £100. A private company will manage this for the airport. 

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