Glasgow to Consider Lifting Taxi and Private Hire Car Cap for Growth

Taxi and Private Hire Limit Could Be Lifted in Glasgow

A cap on the number of taxis and private hire cars in Glasgow may soon be lifted to improve late-night transport availability. The city council is planning a public consultation early next year to review the current regulations. This could lead to the cap being scrapped, retained, or adjusted based on the needs of the public and businesses.

The consultation aims to gather input from drivers, business owners, and the public to evaluate how the current limit affects transportation options, especially at night.

Public Consultation Set to Begin

Next year, Glasgow will launch a public consultation to review the rules governing the number of taxis and private hire cars in the city. This review will involve gathering feedback from drivers, businesses, and the public on how the current cap impacts their transportation needs, particularly late at night.

The results of this consultation could lead to the removal of the cap, or a decision to adjust it based on feedback received. The goal is to address transport needs and ensure sufficient options for late-night visitors.

Studies Highlight Post-COVID Challenges

Research by the Progressive Partnership and Glasgow Caledonian University has revealed challenges faced by Glasgow’s city centre since the pandemic. These studies highlight a decline in foot traffic, growth in socialising at home, and reduced disposable income as key factors affecting the city’s economy.

One major concern highlighted by the reports is the lack of late-night transport options. The limited availability of taxis and private hire cars has become a significant deterrent for people wanting to visit the city centre after dark. This issue is seen as a key obstacle to reviving Glasgow's post-pandemic economy.

Impact on Glasgow's Night-Time Economy

Stuart Patrick, Chief Executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the importance of a thriving city centre to Glasgow’s economy. He pointed out that recovery from the pandemic has been slow, with fewer people returning to the city centre.

Patrick noted that the availability of taxis and private hire cars plays a crucial role in ensuring that people can travel easily and safely to and from the city centre. He argued that Glasgow’s cap on private hire cars is limiting transport options, particularly during late-night hours. This restriction not only inconveniences people but also discourages them from visiting the city, affecting its overall economic recovery.

Current Figures and Comparison

As of January 2023, Glasgow had 1,416 licensed taxis and 3,176 private hire cars, a slight decrease from 2019, when there were 1,420 taxis and 3,759 private hire cars. This decrease, along with the cap on private hire cars, suggests that transport options in the city are becoming increasingly limited, especially during late-night hours when demand is high.

Licensing Committee Calls for Review

Alex Wilson, chair of the Licensing Committee, called for a review of the cap on taxis and private hire cars, stating that licensing should meet the needs of the public and protect their well-being. He emphasized that having sufficient safe, licensed cabs at night is essential for the city’s transport network.

Wilson acknowledged that the city centre and the taxi industry have undergone significant changes in recent years. He believes it’s time to evaluate whether the current cap is still necessary and whether it serves the needs of the public, businesses, and Glasgow's economy.

Importance of Building Public Confidence in Late-Night Transport

Angus Millar, Convener for City Centre Recovery, emphasized the need to ensure the availability of safe and secure transport options for people visiting the city centre at night. He argued that building public confidence in late-night transport is crucial for the recovery of the city's economy.

Millar urged as many people and businesses as possible to participate in the upcoming consultation to ensure that the future of Glasgow’s late-night transport system aligns with the needs of the city.

This consultation represents an important opportunity for Glasgow to shape its late-night transport policy and ensure that the city is prepared to meet the demands of its residents and businesses.