KNOW THE DIFFERENCE: Edinburgh taxi trade launches ‘if it’s not booked, don’t get in’ safety drive
- Perry Richardson
- 9 hours ago
- 2 min read
Edinburgh’s taxi trade has launched a new public safety campaign urging passengers to avoid entering vehicles that have not been properly booked, following concerns over illegal pick-ups, overcharging and reports of serious incidents.
Unite the Union and the Association of Hackney Carriage Drivers of the City of Edinburgh are continuing their partnership to promote passenger safety across the capital, with backing from City Cabs and Central Radio Taxis. The initiative centres on a clear message to the public: “If it’s not booked, don’t get in.”
The campaign follows cases involving unlawful private hire activity, including drivers accepting street hails without the required booking through a licensed operator.
Under Scottish licensing law, private hire vehicles must be pre-booked through a licensed operator and are not permitted to accept passengers directly from the street. Only licensed hackney carriages can be hailed on-street or wait at designated taxi ranks. Vehicles operating outside those rules may not be insured for the journey being undertaken.
Unite and city hackney drivers warn passengers over illegal pick-ups and unbooked journeys across the capital
The campaign material highlights the legal and operational distinctions between the two sectors. It reminds passengers that hackney carriages are insured for immediate hire, display a lit taxi roof sign when available and are regulated by the local authority. By contrast, private hire vehicles can only undertake journeys that have been confirmed through a licensed booking office.
Trade representatives argue that entering an unbooked vehicle carries significant risk. If a vehicle has not been booked through a licensed operator, it is not operating within the law and any associated insurance may not be valid. They have drawn a direct comparison, stating that getting into an unbooked vehicle is no different from getting into a stranger’s car.
The awareness drive will be delivered primarily through social media, supported by visual materials designed to explain the differences between licensed taxis and private hire vehicles. The graphics set out when a vehicle can legally accept a passenger and reinforce that no pre-booking means the journey cannot lawfully take place.
For licensed operators and drivers, the campaign is intended to protect both passengers and the integrity of the regulated trade. Industry backers say illegal activity undermines compliant businesses that adhere to licensing conditions, fare structures and safeguarding standards set by the local authority.
The launch comes amid ongoing national debate around enforcement and cross-border working within the taxi and private hire sector. In Edinburgh, trade bodies say consistent public messaging is essential to reduce opportunities for unlawful activity and to reinforce the importance of booking through authorised channels.
City Cabs and Central Radio Taxis have confirmed their support for the initiative, aligning with the message that passengers should only use licensed and properly booked transport. The trade says it will continue working with partners to promote awareness and encourage reporting of suspected illegal operations.
