iStockThe public is being urged to give their thoughts on the number of taxis on the streets of Glasgow.
The city is currently the only in the UK to operate a license cap on the number of black hackney taxis and private hire cabs allowed to operate.
Now an open consultation is asking for thoughts on the current limits to be submitted.
Taxi firms, including Glasgow Taxis and the private hire trade, have urged councillors to retain the cap to protect the trade from overprovision.
However, app-based service Uber say the cap is preventing many drivers from entering the trade.
There are currently 4,677 black hack taxis and private hires in Glasgow that’s down from 5,179 in 2019.
STV NewsUnder council rules taxi numbers can reach a limit of 1,420. For private hires that number is 3,450.
The private hire numbers are currently at the limit meaning over 680 bids for new licenses have been rejected over the past year. But the number of black hacks is currently below the limit at 1,227.
STV News“I think it’s important that we get feedback from the public regarding the availability of taxis out there and private hire cabs,” said councillor Alex Wilson, chair of Glasgow City Council’s Licensing and Regulatory Committee.
“Probably about 90% of those in the trade would like the current cap to remain. Whether that is still valid at the moment, we don’t know we’ll have to check that with the results of this consultation.”
He added: “For me, I think it would be dangerous to maybe just reopen it up completely and allow the likes of app-based companies to flood the market.”
Those in the nighttime economy have urged for reform of the current limits to help boost footfall to the city centre.
Mike Grieve, managing director of the famous Glasgow nightclub Sub Club, said he recognised the need for greater public transport options as well as taxis.
On the consultation he told STV News: “I think it’s really important that anything that can be done to increase access to the city and, in particular, to increase egress out of the city after dark is vital.”
Dougie McPherson, chairman of Glasgow Taxis, said the reasons for a drop in city centre footfall at night for due more to changing behaviours than a lack of taxis.
STV NewsHe said: “We think that listing the cap would be entirely the wrong move.
“There is a cost of living crisis there’s no doubt about that and since the pandemic what people do and how they socialise and how the spend their money has very much changed.
“So the lack of footfall is down to a whole load of other reasons which come way before a lack of transport.”
He added: “If the cap was lifted completely, in a year or two it will become more difficult to get a taxi because people will leave the trade because it will be impossible for them to support their families.”
However, Uber have advocated for the cap to be lifted.
Matt Freckleton, Uber’s Head of Cities told STV News: “We don’t see this flooding the market at all.
“We be believe by allowing drivers to get their own vehicles licensed that will provide them with increased job security and to increase their income as well.”
He added: “We’ve got to remember that the city is bringing back to Commonwealth Games in 2026 and we’ve got to make sure when there’s a huge influx of people coming into the city that their first impression of Glasgow is one that is that Glasgow is going places and is on the move.”
An Uber spokesperson said: “Enabling more private hire vehicles provide new earning opportunities for local drivers, give passengers greater transport options and support local businesses, in particular in the night time economy.
“All drivers will have access to industry leading worker rights such as holiday pay and a pension, as well as formal representation through GMB Union. More passengers will be able to count on a safe trip through a range of industry-leading safety features.”
The Glasgow City Council consultation can be viewed here.
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