An Edinburgh cab driver has warned Dundee residents they will be hit with a diminished service if the number of taxis operating in the city is capped.
The Dundee Taxi Association (DTA), the local branch of Unite union and a number of elected officials have all backed calls to limit the number of registered badge holders and taxi vehicles.
They argue the move will improve the city’s service as well as provide drivers with a greater income.
However, Jim Taylor, who has driven his cab on Edinburgh roads for the past 17 years and who is part of a small group pursuing a legal battle aimed at overturning the capital’s own taxi limit, said any restriction will only lead to longer waiting times for passengers.
Mr Taylor, a well-known figure within Scotland’s taxi industry and a former secretary of the now defunct trade lobby group, CABforce, spoke on the issue after comments made by Dundee West MSP Joe FitzPatrick.
Last week called on Dundee City Council to consider a limit saying it would bring the city in line with many other local authorities.
The point is disputed by Mr Taylor, who used to be a staunch supporter of a cap during his time with CABforce before “changing his mind” in recent years.
“Most in Scotland don’t restrict and in Aberdeen and West Lothian the cap has been removed,” he said. “Edinburgh is beleaguered in a ‘de-restriction’ battle with appeals in court and a human rights case coming around the corner.
“I guess taxi drivers in Dundee failed to explain this to him.”Quality controlImproving Dundee’s taxi service, he added, requires the implementation of quality control and not reducing the number of drivers out on the road.
However, Mr FitzPatrick claims a cap will improve professionalism in the service and may benefit passengers as well as the trade something Mr Taylor dismissed as “balderdash.”
“Capping taxis creates shortage, inflates plate premiums, inflates rentals for drivers and ultimately means fewer taxis for hire on the streets,” he said.
In response, Mr FitzPatrick made it clear he does not share the Edinburgh man’s viewpoint, saying the situation in Dundee is very different.
“Mr Taylor is a resident of Edinburgh and will be reflecting his experiences as such, which will be different to those in Dundee, and I have suggested that Mr Taylor contact his local MSP in Edinburgh to pass on his views,” he said.
“Ultimately it is for Dundee City Council licensing committee to look at the operation of the taxi service in the city and consider whether capping the number of licences might be the solution to the difficulties.”
Dundee Taxi Association remain resolute that the industry wants a cap to be brought into place. Secretary of the DTA Tony Waters added, “It is just common sense for Dundee to have a limit on the numbers of taxis.
“There is not enough rank spaces for a start and it will help ensure drivers get a better living. I just can’t understand why Mr Taylor has made remarks on a matter that does not really have anything to do with him.”
Dundee licensing board committee is expected to discuss a cap option early next month when the findings of a report, commissioned by the body, will go before councillors.