Black cab driver claims private hires openly flouting pick-up rules

An Edinburgh black cab taxi driver has hit out at the council and police over what he sees as a lack of action over private hire vehicles picking up passengers directly on the street.

- by Kevin Quinn

Private hire vehicles are allegedly picking passengers up off the street without a booking, especially in busy areas such as the Market Street entrance to Waverley Station, above

Private hire drivers in Edinburgh can only pick up pre-booked fares, while black cab taxi drivers are allowed to pick up passengers hailing them on the city's streets.

However, Edinburgh black cabbie and Unite trade union rep, Keith Auld, believes private hire drivers are regularly picking up passengers in the city centre, particularly in the area beneath North Bridge, adjacent to the Market Street entrance to Waverley Station.

He has written to Police Scotland's divisional commander regarding the the issue, known as "seagulling". He wrote: "Edinburgh currently faces a serious and growing problem with illegal plying for hire by private hire drivers. This activity is now widespread and highly visible, particularly in high-transit areas and in taxi ranks designated exclusively for licensed Hackney Carriages.

"These vehicles frequently stop or park without consideration for other motorists, reducing the carriageway to a single lane and creating a hazardous environment for pedestrians, road users, and the general public.

"This issue is prevalent and ongoing. I am therefore seeking meaningful stakeholder engagement to address what is, at its core, a significant public safety and licensing failure.