Glasgow City Council is set to debate whether to lift the cap on the number of taxis and private hire cars operating in the city.

Currently, there is an overprovision cap set at 1,420 for taxis and 3,450 for private hire cars.

There are 1,238 taxi licences and 3,450 private hire car licences operating in Glasgow.

However, recent reports suggest a shortage, particularly during late nights and weekends, impacting the city's nightlife. Business leaders argue that a lack of available cabs is deterring people from visiting the city centre at night.

Conversely, drivers' representatives claim that the problem lies in a lack of customers, making it difficult to earn a living.

On Wednesday 15 January, councillors will discuss a proposal to conduct a public consultation on the issue. 

This consultation will explore whether the current caps are still necessary and whether they serve the public interest. 

Given the reports and studies that have led to the call for a review, it is likely any change would seek to increase availability.

The consultation, if approved, will ask: “Whether the policies limiting the number of taxis and private hire cars in the city are still necessary and proportionate and whether they continue to be in the public interest.”

A report to councillors by Mairi Millar, director of legal and administration, states: “Since the policies were last reviewed, concerns have continued to be raised regarding the availability of taxi and private hire cars in the city.

“Recent reports commissioned by the council indicate that the late-night city centre economy continues to face a number of post-covid challenges.”

The challenges include: “A decline in footfall, with issues relating to a lack of late-night transport options including the availability of taxi and private hire cars acting as a deterrent to people coming into the city centre area later in the evening.”

The consultation will seek input from the public, the taxi and private hire trade and businesses involved in the city's nightlife.

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Taxi and private hire drivers will no longer be permitted to wait for fares in residential areas near Heathrow Airport following complaints of "urinating and defecating" outside homes.

Hillingdon Council has implemented a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) banning drivers from parking or waiting in streets within Pinkwell, Heathrow Villages and West Drayton.

This decision comes after residents raised concerns about noise, littering and aggressive behaviour from some drivers.

The council held a public consultation between September 20, 2024, and November 1, 2024. Residents and taxi drivers alike were given the opportunity to contribute.

One resident reported: "It's hard to find parking, they overcrowd and litter our areas, they urinate in public view."

Another alleged that drivers typically become aggressive. They said: “I have suffered for 12 years having taxi drivers park outside my house, I have been physically and racially assaulted when I have approached them asking them to leave.”

While some drivers argued they were being unfairly punished for the actions of a few. One driver said: "I have never indulged in any of the practices described. Why should a section of the community be punished for the behaviour of a few idiots"

 Traffic wardens noted over 9,600 instances of parking violations and issued over 900 fines in seven months for offences including ‘vehicle idling, littering, urination, spitting etc’.

Councillor Eddie Lavery said: “We will be using this to target the registered owner of the vehicle, therefore if you drive off you will still be sent the notice.

"It is intended to enforce this using camera technology as the most effective way to collect this evidence and charge the relevant taxi drivers.”

Council leader Cllr Ian Edwards went on to say: “It is the fact that some of these drivers use people’s gardens, hedges, and walls as toilets and it is unacceptable, which is why I’m delighted this has been brought forward.”

The PSPO will come into effect on February 1, 2025. Drivers are encouraged to use designated waiting zones at Heathrow Airport, which offer toilet facilities.

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A Cheltenham man has been sentenced for fraudulently claiming over £22,000 in benefits by failing to declare his employment as a taxi and delivery driver.

Larry Gough, from Shurdington, pleaded guilty to defrauding Tewkesbury Borough Council of £2,212.37 in council tax reduction and £8,285.61 in housing benefit.

He also admitted to fraudulently claiming £11,726.33 in pension credit from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

Gough failed to inform the authorities about his income, resulting in overpayments of benefits between September 2020 and August 2023.

At Gloucester Crown Court on January 8, 2025, Gough was sentenced to a 12-month community order with 80 hours of unpaid work.

He was also ordered to pay a £95 surcharge.

The investigation was a joint effort between Tewkesbury Borough Council's Counter Fraud and Enforcement Unit and the DWP.

Councillor Stewart Dove, Tewkesbury Borough Council's lead member for Finance and Asset Management, stated: "Tewkesbury Borough Council is committed to ensuring that public funds are used appropriately and that those who attempt to defraud the system are held accountable."

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An Aberdeen man who robbed a taxi driver at knifepoint has been jailed for two years eight months.

Steven Gribble, 26, admitted holding a screwdriver to the driver's neck and stealing around £50 in cash.

The incident occurred after Gribble, who has a history of criminal convictions, discovered his bank account was empty.

Fiscal depute Emma Petersen told Aberdeen Sheriff Court that the taxi driver picked up Gribble and another man on February 19, 2023. Gribble requested to be taken to an ATM, where he found his account empty.

He then directed the driver to another location, where he produced a screwdriver and threatened the driver, demanding money. "I've got something at your back as well," the other passenger warned.

The terrified driver handed over the cash and the men fled.

Gribble later turned himself in to police, stating, "It was a stupid, stupid mistake. I've lost my head since I lost my auntie and I'm struggling to process it."

Defence solicitor Neil McRobert acknowledged Gribble's drug use and described the robbery as "absolutely disgraceful."

Sheriff Graham Buchanan described Gribble’s actions as a “disgraceful crime” on a taxi driver who was “simply carrying out his duties”.

He jailed Gribble for two years and eight months.

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Norwich City Council is reviewing its taxi licensing policy to enhance passenger safety, particularly for children and vulnerable adults. The council is required to update its licensing policy for taxi firms every five years to ensure rules are kept up to date.

The move follows the conviction of Alexandru Tapurin, a former driver for ABC Taxis, who was jailed for sexually assaulting three women in Norwich over a short period. This incident has shaken public confidence in the city's taxi services.

The council's "extensive" policy review aims to strengthen public safety measures. Proposed changes include:

• Enhanced Background Checks: More rigorous checks on driver applications, including more frequent Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks (potentially every six months).
• Mandatory Training: Compulsory safeguarding and county lines training for all drivers.
• Improved Record-Keeping: Better record-keeping of passenger information and dispatch records.
• Strengthened Complaints Procedure: An improved complaints system with clear guidance for passengers on how to report issues.

The council will also prioritise consideration of previous convictions and any reported concerns when granting or renewing taxi driver licenses.

The proposed changes will be subject to public consultation in the coming months before they are implemented.

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