Private hire drivers in Glasgow have strongly opposed claims that they are responsible for a struggling nighttime hospitality trade in the city center. The issue has been raised in light of concerns that a shortage of transport options is deterring people from visiting the city at night, particularly due to fears of not being able to find a ride home.
Claims of a Lack of Transport
The claim that a lack of private hire cars and taxis is contributing to reduced foot traffic in the city center has gained attention in recent reports. The Glasgow Times highlighted that councillors are set to discuss a proposal for a consultation that could potentially alter or remove the overprovision cap on the number of private hire vehicles in the city. This cap, which currently limits the number of private hire cars to 3,450, is being reconsidered as the city debates how to address the apparent shortage of transport options.
Business and Government Perspectives
Stuart Patrick, Chief Executive of the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, has voiced concerns that the lack of available taxis is actively deterring people from coming into the city. He believes that without enough transport, the city’s vibrant nighttime economy is suffering. However, the Scottish Private Hire Association has strongly rejected the notion that a lack of cars is the root of the problem.
The Private Hire Association's Response
The Scottish Private Hire Association argues that the real issue is the insufficient number of passengers to support the current number of private hire vehicles. Neil Scoffield, the Glasgow Convenor of the association, expressed concern over what he sees as a misinterpretation of the situation. He emphasized that drivers are often left waiting for long periods without fares, which challenges the argument that there aren’t enough cars available for hire. According to Scoffield, the average wait time for a private hire car is only 4.5 minutes, indicating that there is no significant delay for people seeking transport.
Economic Struggles of Drivers
Scoffield added that the core issue is the lack of work for private hire drivers, who often spend hours waiting without making enough money. He noted that the window of time in which drivers can earn a living is very narrow, with some drivers experiencing long waiting periods of up to 45 minutes between jobs. This, he suggests, is a clear sign that the problem lies not in the number of taxis but in the economic challenges facing both the hospitality trade and the drivers themselves.
The Bigger Picture: Promoting Glasgow’s Nightlife
Instead of focusing on reducing the number of private hire cars, Scoffield believes the solution lies in increasing the promotion of Glasgow’s nightlife. He pointed out that the city has one of the highest ratios of cars per population in the UK, meaning there are ample vehicles on the road. The issue, he argues, is that people are simply not spending enough money to sustain the current volume of drivers.