Consultation in Glasgow could see only private hire vehicle cap in UK scrapped
Glasgow may soon see a significant shake-up in how taxis and private hire vehicles operate, as plans for a public consultation look set to be reviewed early next year.
Currently, the city is the only one in the UK with a cap on private hire vehicles, a regulation that has come under increasing scrutiny.
The consultation, if approved by councillors on the licensing committee, will invite views from drivers, vehicle owners, businesses, and the public. The feedback will help determine whether the cap should be lifted, maintained, or adjusted to better meet the city’s needs.
Recent studies have assessed Glasgow’s night-time economy and customer experiences, highlighting concerns about transport availability. The issue is particularly pressing in light of the city centre’s recovery from the pandemic, with footfall still below pre-COVID levels.
Stuart Patrick, Chief Executive of Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, emphasised the importance of improving transport access to revitalise the city centre. He stated that the limited availability of private hire cars is not only an inconvenience but is also deterring visitors during peak times, particularly late at night.
Patrick said: "The city centre is the heartbeat of Glasgow’s economy, but it is still facing significant challenges in recovering from the pandemic, with footfall yet to return to pre-COVID levels.
“A vibrant night-time economy is crucial to this recovery and ensuring that people can travel to and from the city centre easily and safely is key to its success. Our research shows that the availability of taxis and private hire cars is a significant factor, particularly at peak times.
“Glasgow is the only city in the UK to operate a cap on private hire cars and this is limiting the options for late-night visitors to get home. This is not just an inconvenience but is actively deterring people from coming into town, which is something we cannot afford if we want to see growth and vitality return to our city centre.”
