Review of taxi and private hire car overprovision policies underway

A review of the number of taxis and private hire cars eligible to operate in Glasgow is now open to the views from the general public.

Glasgow City Council's Licensing and Regulatory Committee signalled the review earlier this year after concerns had been raised about the availability of taxis and private hire cars in the city.

Academic and social research has highlighted that anxieties over securing a late taxi or private hire car can deter people from accessing Glasgow city centre's night time economy.

Glasgow currently has rules in place that manage the provision of taxis and private hire cars in the city.

Under these rules, it is considered there is no over provision of taxis until the number of vehicles reaches 1420.  For private hire cars there is no overprovision until the number of vehicles licensed for hire reaches 3450.

The most recent figures show there are 1227 taxi vehicles and 3450 private hire cars operating in Glasgow.

To help the Licensing and Regulatory Committee determine the way ahead, a survey has been prepared that will assess support for the overprovision policies while also gathering information on the recent experiences of taxi and private hire car passengers in the city.

The survey been circulated among key stakeholders such as the taxi and private hire car trade, business and night time economy representatives, emergency services, community councils and others.

The wider public can also access the survey via the consultation hub on the council's website, which is available through this link - www.glasgow.gov.uk/consultations

Councillor Alex Wilson, Chair of the Licensing and Regulatory Committee, urged anyone and everyone with an interest in Glasgow's taxi and private hire car system to respond to the survey.

Councillor Wilson said: "Glasgow's taxis and private hire cars are a key part of the city's transport system and are vital for getting people safely to and from the city centre at night.

"But the trade has faced huge challenges such as the covid pandemic and the growth of phone-app technology. People's leisure habits have also changed significantly in recent years.

"Given the shifting landscape, it is right that the licensing committee reflects on whether our policies still proportionate and necessary.  Gathering the widest possible range of views will help us ensure our policies strike the right balance for both operators and passengers.

"Anyone who has ever been in a taxi or private hire car in Glasgow has a stake in this policy review and I appeal to all to contribute to our survey."

The public consultation on overprovision policies for taxi and private hire car vehicles in Glasgow is now open until May 28, 2025.