Edinburgh taxi drivers to present petition calling for cap on private hire vehicle numbers
- Perry Richardson
- Jul 9
- 2 min read
Taxi drivers in Edinburgh are preparing to hand over a petition calling for a cap on private hire vehicle (PHV) numbers to the Lord Provost at the City Chambers this Wednesday at 10am.
The petition, which has gathered more than 1,700 signatures, argues that an uncontrolled rise in PHVs is damaging driver incomes and increasing pressure on the trade. Titled “Cap Number of Private Hire Vehicles in Edinburgh so everyone can make a living”, the campaign was launched by a licensed driver Keith Auld.
According to the petitioner, PHV numbers in the capital have risen by over 30% in recent years. The result, say campaigners, is more competition for the same number of jobs, leading to lower earnings for drivers across both the taxi and private hire sectors.
The petition states that the City of Edinburgh Council has the authority to limit the number of private hire licences issued. Campaigners are urging the council to follow other UK cities in applying a cap to control vehicle numbers and ensure fairer working conditions.
Supporters argue that a limit would not only protect driver earnings, but also help reduce traffic and environmental pressures on the city.
The petition handover is the latest step in a wider debate around the regulation of Edinburgh’s taxi and private hire industry. Keith Auld, the man behind the petition, said in an interview with TaxiPoint in May: “Since companies like Uber entered the UK market, the number of private hire vehicles has absolutely exploded. It’s completely changed the landscape. There are thousands more cars on the road now than there were just a few years ago, and it’s made it almost impossible for traditional cab drivers to compete fairly.
“We went through rigorous training, vehicle standards, and licensing. Now anyone with a smartphone and a car can flood the market. It’s not sustainable—not for us, not for the roads, and certainly not for the long-term future of the trade.”
Auld added: “Most drivers I know have seen a significant drop in their income. There’s just too many vehicles chasing the same passengers, and the competition from private hire, especially the app-based companies, has driven down fares and increased waiting times for jobs. We’re working longer hours for less pay. It’s not just hurting us—it’s hurting the quality of service too.”
