WHY EDINBURGH TAXI DRIVERS ARE CALLING FOR A CAP IN PHVs: “Just too many vehicles chasing the same passengers”
- Perry Richardson
- Jun 25
- 3 min read
Edinburgh taxi driver Keith Auld recently launched a petition calling for a cap on the number of private hire vehicles operating in the city. The petition, which has gained over 1,000 signatures, raises concerns about falling driver earnings and growing competition from app-based services.
Titled “Cap Number of Private Hire Vehicles in Edinburgh so everyone can make a living”, the campaign argues that the surge in private hire licences is placing unsustainable pressure on the trade.
TaxiPoint spoke to Keith to understand more about the reasons behind the petition and what he believes needs to change.
Why do you believe the current level of private hire vehicles is unsustainable for taxi drivers?
“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.”
Have taxi drivers noticed a drop in earnings due to over-saturation?
“Without a doubt. 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.”
What would you consider to be a fair and manageable cap on private hire vehicle numbers in the city?
“There needs to be a proper cap based on real demand. The council should commission a proper study and set limits that reflect what the city can actually support. A cap would help restore balance. Right now, the system is flooded. We’re not asking to shut out competition—just to ensure that every driver has a fair shot at earning a living, and that the roads aren’t jammed with idle vehicles waiting for jobs.”
Have you or other drivers tried to engage with Edinburgh Council directly on this?
“Yes, plenty of us have. We’ve written letters, attended meetings, and spoken through our trade bodies. The message has been the same for years: this can’t go on. Some councillors have been sympathetic, but unfortunately, we haven’t seen meaningful change. Meanwhile, more and more vehicles get licensed, and the situation keeps getting worse.”
How do you respond to arguments that limiting vehicle numbers could reduce choice and availability for passengers?
“Choice is important, yes, but oversupply doesn’t mean better service. It just clogs the roads, adds pollution, and drives down standards. Passengers still want quality, safety, and properly vetted drivers. We’re not saying cut off supply entirely—we’re saying make it manageable and fair. And let’s not forget: many of these app-based companies funnel their profits overseas.
“The money passengers spend on their rides isn’t staying in the local economy or reinvested in our communities. It leaves our shores and benefits shareholders elsewhere. That’s not sustainable, and it doesn’t serve Edinburgh or the UK.”
In your view, is the over-saturation of private hire vehicles not only a regional issue in Edinburgh, but also a nationwide problem?
“It’s definitely a nationwide issue. You can look at any major city—London, Manchester, Glasgow—it’s the same story. Since Uber and similar companies arrived, private hire numbers have ballooned across the UK. The result has been lower earnings, more congestion, and a race to the bottom in terms of service and safety. It’s not just a local problem—it’s a broken model that needs national regulation and proper oversight.”
