City of Edinburgh Council to consider and discuss cap on private hire vehicle numbers following petition today
- Perry Richardson
- Aug 8
- 2 min read
The City of Edinburgh Council is set to examine a petition calling for a potential cap on the number of private hire vehicles (PHVs) operating across the city. The Regulatory Committee will meet today (8 August 2025) to discuss the petition, which has gathered 1,228 individual and six business signatures.
The petition, submitted by representatives from both the city’s licensed taxi and private hire sectors, requests the council commission an overprovision survey. The aim is to determine whether the growing number of PHVs is sustainable and if a cap should be introduced under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982.
According to the petition, there are now over 3,000 PHVs operating in Edinburgh, compared to around 1,100 active black cabs, which are subject to a fixed cap of 1,300. The petition argues that PHVs currently face far fewer barriers to entry than black cab drivers, who must pass a topographical test and operate wheelchair-accessible vehicles.
The petition claims the current licensing structure is creating an imbalance and calls for fairer oversight of the private hire sector. It also highlights potential risks to public safety and driver welfare, noting that increased competition has impacted driver income and working hours.
The petitioners reference Glasgow City Council’s recent decision to commission an overprovision survey and introduce a PHV cap as a precedent. They believe Edinburgh should follow suit to preserve service quality, safety, and equity in the local transport system.
The committee will consider the petition and decide whether further action, including a formal consultation or immediate cap, is justified. Any proposals would need to undergo financial assessment, equality and poverty impact review, and align with climate and nature legislation.
