More than 1,500 people have signed a petition to cap the number of private-hire vehicles in Edinburgh — including private-hire drivers.
The petition — Cap Number of Private Hire Vehicles in Edinburgh so everyone can make a living — was launched on the Change.org platform in April by a taxi driver under the name Worried Driver.
At the end of last week, it had received 1,622 signatures, which Worried Driver called “a powerful show of strength”, and included support from worried PHV drivers who fear for people’s livelihoods, as well as standards in the trade.
Support
Posting an update on Change.org, Worried Driver said: “We’re proud to announce that over 1,600 of you have now signed our petition — a powerful show of strength, unity, and determination from across the taxi industry. This isn’t just a number. It’s 1,600 voices saying loud and clear: we will not be ignored.
“Our trade has always stood as a pillar of service — accessible, reliable, professional — delivering a world-class experience to locals and visitors alike. We serve every corner of society: from vulnerable passengers to NHS staff, night workers, school children, and tourists. Our black cabs are more than transport — they are symbols of trust, tradition, and community.
“In the face of rising costs, unfair competition, and a lack of proper support, this petition represents solidarity like never before. Drivers, owners, families, and allies are coming together to demand the respect and fairness our industry has earned.
“Every signature counts. Every voice matters. Every step we take, we take it together.”
Threat
Explaining the reason for the petition, Worried Driver said: “Every day, I experience the harsh reality of declining earnings simply because the market is oversaturated with private-hire vehicles in Edinburgh. It’s becoming increasingly difficult for both taxi and private-hire drivers to make a decent living as more vehicles hit the roads. This situation isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a direct threat to our livelihoods.
“In Edinburgh, the proliferation of private-hire vehicles has reached unprecedented levels. According to recent statistics, the number of such vehicles has surged by over 30% in the past few years. This explosion in numbers has led to fierce competition, making it harder for drivers to secure enough fares to make ends meet. It’s not just about inconvenience; it’s about the sustainability of an entire profession that thousands depend on.
“Edinburgh Council has the authority to regulate the number of private-hire licenses issued. By capping the numbers, they can ensure a fair market where all drivers have a chance to earn a sustainable income. Cities like London have already implemented similar measures, successfully balancing supply and demand to ensure taxi and private hire drivers can thrive without unnecessary competition.
“A sensible cap on private-hire vehicles will not only stabilise earnings for drivers but also improve road congestion and reduce the environmental impact, creating a more sustainable and liveable city for everyone.”
Support
Private-hire driver Jack, in Edinburgh, agreed, replying: “The current oversupply of drivers is creating an unsustainable situation where it’s becoming nearly impossible to make a decent living.
“Too many drivers chasing too few jobs means longer waiting times between fares, higher fuel costs per job, and increased competition that pushes down earnings to below minimum wage for many of us.
“We’re not asking for special treatment — we’re asking for fairness, sustainability, and recognition of our role in the broader transport ecosystem. Private-hire drivers are just as much a part of the city’s taxi trade as black-cab drivers. We complement black cabs, not compete with them. We work together to ensure Edinburgh keeps moving.
“But the current free-for-all with licence approvals is hurting everyone — drivers, customers, and the reputation of the trade.
“A cap isn’t a restriction — it’s a necessary measure to protect livelihoods and ensure the long-term viability of the industry. Let’s work together to create a taxi and private-hire service in Edinburgh that is fair, professional, and sustainable — for drivers and passengers alike.”
Gordon, from Glasgow, added: “If the number of black cabs is capped, it seems like a blatant double standard to allow Uber etc to operate without similar regulation.”
Whether they are black-cab drivers with public hire taxi insurance, or PHVs with private hire insurance, when drivers on both sides of the trade calling for change, it is an issue the council needs to address before drivers are forced out of the trade, reducing the numbers on the roads and affecting the service and standards for passengers.
