More stuff from the same HCD in Edinburgh, who gives the distinct impression at times that he's swallowed a dictionary
Or, perhaps the modern equivalent - produced his stuff through ChatGPT
But not sure that the specific area of Market Street under North Bridge is the best example to illustrate the point - I think that's the usual drop/pick up point for PHVs and non-local HCs outside Waverley Station, so there will always be a few sitting around there...
Usual and eminently predictable response from the council and police, though
Edinburgh black cab taxi driver hits out at lack of action over private hires picking up passengershttps://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/ ... rs-5467732An Edinburgh black cab taxi driver has hit out at the council and police over what he sees as a lack of action over private hire vehicles picking up passengers.Private hire drivers in Edinburgh can only pick up pre-booked fares, while black cab taxi drivers are allowed to pick-up passengers off the city’s streets.
However, Edinburgh black cabbie and unite trade union rep, Keith Auld, believes private hire drivers are regularly picking up passengers in the city centre, particularly in the area beneath North Bridge, adjacent to Waverley Station on Market Street.
He has written to Police Scotland’s divisional commander regarding the issue, highlighting that vehicles regularly ‘seagull’ this location.
In his email, Mr Auld said: “Edinburgh currently faces a serious and growing problem with illegal plying for hire by private hire drivers. This activity is now widespread and highly visible, particularly in high-transit areas and in taxi ranks designated exclusively for licensed Hackney Carriages.
“These vehicles frequently stop or park without consideration for other motorists, reducing the carriageway to a single lane and creating a hazardous environment for pedestrians, road users, and the general public.
“This issue is prevalent and ongoing. I am therefore seeking meaningful stakeholder engagement to address what is, at its core, a significant public safety and licensing failure.
“I would welcome the opportunity to discuss this matter further and to contribute constructively to any forum or working group established to address it.”
Image: Lewis McGuire/Edinburgh Evening NewsSpeaking to the Evening News about the issue, Mr Auld said: “The unite union stance is very strong and will continue to be so. My colleagues feel greatly let down by the lack of meaningful enforcement and police engagement.
“We need a stakeholder group working cross functionally to tackle this major issue within the night time economy. Personally speaking this story will not go away and is only going to get worse.”
Mr Auld’s anger comes just a month after an Edinburgh private hire driver has had his license suspended for a week after he admitted picking up a passenger outside Waverley Station without a pre-booking.
Responding to Mr Auld’s concerns, the convener of the Edinburgh branch of the Scottish Private Hire Association, Stewart Livingston, called for more evidence of ‘seagulling’, but agreed that more enforcement is needed in the city.
He said: “Every single driver has a smart phone on them which is capable of taking photos of any situation like this. These accusations have been going round for a long time, and very little to no evidence has been shown.
“If that is going on we want that rooted out, we want to raise the standards in the trade. After the nightclubs come out there are drivers that pull up and maybe make offers. But where is the evidence and where is the enforcement from the police and the council?
“The way we operate is an app-based booking system. Ninety per cent of the time they might be waiting on someone that has been booked but has been held up at the station.
“This affects both sides of the trade, whether it is dress code or smoking in cabs, there is no fear, as there is basically no enforcement going on.
“If this is a real issue then I’m open to seeing evidence of it and action needs to be taken, but it needs to be enforced.”
Commenting on the recent “pathetic” one week suspension given to a private hire driver for picking up passengers from the street, Mr Livingston added: “It was a ridiculous punishment for the driver that was suspended. That driver should have lost his license right away. All private hire passengers must be pre-booked.
“The suspension was pathetic. The punishment coming for serious breaches of license conditions is crazy.
“But the throwing of stones between the two trades needs to stop, and we are trying to do that, I get on with Keith, and we both want the same thing. There are solutions, but it all comes down to the council upholding standards in Edinburgh.”
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Image: Lewis McGuire/Edinburgh Evening NewsLicensing Sub-Committee Convener, Councillor Joanna Mowat said: “Whilst we’re unable to comment on individual cases, we expect everyone to follow the rules and will continue to pursue enforcement action where appropriate.
“We’ll continue to work and engage with Police Scotland, the taxi and private hire trade, and other stakeholders on this issue.”
Chief Superintendent David Robertson said: “We have received correspondence raising concerns over the activities of a minority of licensed drivers.
“Public safety is our priority, and we work with our partners to carry out regular activity to ensure compliance with licensing conditions and deter any breaches.
“Any individual cases highlighted will be investigated and reported to the City of Edinburgh Council Licensing and the Procurator Fiscal as appropriate.”
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