Scottish Private Hire Association

Trade association for private hire drivers in Scotland. Find out more at

[Scottish Private Hire Association @spha_drivers]

https://t.co/2Qqvn0qosg

[Scottish Private Hire Association @spha_drivers]

📢 A joint effort will see taxi and private hire stand together to send a shared message to the council on our support for the plate caps

SPHA, Unite the Union & independent drivers will assemble

JOIN US:
🗓️ Wed, 30th July
⏱️Assembling from 12.15pm
📍Cochrane Street /at John St

[Scottish Private Hire Association @spha_drivers]

Highlighting the potential for negative consequences of scrapping the cap, including increased fatigue-related safety risks, reduced service quality, and environmental impacts.

[Scottish Private Hire Association @spha_drivers]

We have sent a report to all Glasgow MSPs on the taxi and private hire overprovision policies; outlining the background details and our core arguments for keeping the plate cap; requesting they write to GCC to urge keeping the policies in place.

[Scottish Private Hire Association @spha_drivers]

We have asked the MSPs to consider the critical importance of balancing public demand with sustainability of driver livelihoods and the maintenance of high safety and service standards.

[Scottish Private Hire Association @spha_drivers]

Increasing supply to cut wait time ignores the dangers of overprovision

Deregulation of the cap will create a race to the bottom

A less reliable service & compromised public safety are consequences of a bloated fleet

The plate cap ensures a balance

https://t.co/APso2SJuEi

[Scottish Private Hire Association @spha_drivers]

As we have in the past, we will act in unity to defend our trade. We will send a clear message that the plate cap and our jobs need to be protected.

[Scottish Business Insider @Insidermag]

Scrapping a cap on taxi and private hire cabs in #Glasgow could see big firms like Uber “flood the market” and hit drivers’ earnings, @spha_drivers has warned https://t.co/IoJDbKFs9l

[Scottish Private Hire Association @spha_drivers]

Interesting to finally see Angus Miller's name being printed in relation to all this. But, let's point out an inaccuracy where it says he "regularly meets" with interested parties. SPHA has still yet to meet with Angus despite our attempts to secure a meeting since 2022!

[Scottish Private Hire Association @spha_drivers]

https://t.co/FNMxoU9dlR

"Business leaders" say lack of transport options. Why have night buses been axed? Why do we not have night trains running? Why doesn't the Clockwork Orange run through the night? Is it because these services are unprofitable due to lack of demand?

[Scottish Private Hire Association @spha_drivers]

According to NTIA, the UK has seen a loss of 30% of nightclubs in the past three years. The nighttime economy is struggling everywhere and to lay the blame for that, somehow, at the feet of the taxi and PH trade is wrong. It is a symptom of a wider failing economy.

[Scottish Private Hire Association @spha_drivers]

Good to see a more accurate report on the issue though; eg. finally quoting @Snp_Alex properly where he says he would be reluctant to remove cap,& not omitting SPHA's argument that less earnings lead to public safety issue as drivers would be forced to work more hours on the road

[Scottish Private Hire Association @spha_drivers]

SPHA Gen Sec, @EddieGrice1984 tells @thisisgoradio today that the Licensing committee at @GlasgowCC should wait till public/trade consultations & overprovision study have been carried out, to have data & evidence before making comments about what may happen to plate cap in future

[Scottish Private Hire Association @spha_drivers]

SPHA Gen Sec, @EddieGrice1984 tells @thisisgoradio today that abolishing the plate cap would be irresponsible at a time where driver earnings are being squeezed by cost of living and cost of doing business; says forcing drivers to work more hours risks public safety.

[Scottish Private Hire Association @spha_drivers]

SPHA to begin the process of balloting our members in Edinburgh. Members will be asked whether or not they want the SPHA to campaign for a private hire car plate cap for the city.

[Eddie Grice @EddieGrice1984]

In line with relevant rules, I have received a petition from SPHA Edinburgh Branch requesting a ballot be held to ask if the SPHA should campaign for an overprovision policy (plate cap) in Edinburgh.

I will act on this petition asap. Procedural formalities shall begin Monday.

[Scottish Private Hire Association @spha_drivers]

We will be engaging with council officers at @Edinburgh_CC to seek a review of private hire car numbers and a consultation on overprovision with a view to having a plate cap limit put into effect.

[Scottish Private Hire Association @spha_drivers]

SPHA members in our Edinburgh branch are indicating support & desire for a PHC overprovision policy (plate cap). All respondents to a poll on issue so far have supported the measure. Comments show feeling that there are too many PHCs now operating in the capital. @Edinburgh_CC

[Jim Eadie @Jim4Indy]

Shocked to learn about the difficulties faced by private hire and taxi drivers represented by @EddieGrice1984 and John Wallace of @spha_drivers. Hopefully the advice from @AlexSalmond on dealing with politicians will help them.
#ALBAforIndependence #VoteALBA

[Eddie Grice @EddieGrice1984]

Great meeting today with Alex Salmond and Jim Eadie to discuss the issues affecting the private hire and taxi trade, including the woeful state of Glasgow nighttime economy and the sky high costs of public EV chargers.

@AlexSalmond @Jim4Indy

[Scottish Private Hire Association @spha_drivers]

@CllrPaulCarey
@SteveDoc40
@EddieGrice1984
@njs0001
@Jip87
@MakeGlasgow
@GMB_union

[Scottish Private Hire Association @spha_drivers]

Yesterday, SPHA reps met with Cllrs Paul Carey & Stephen Docherty, with Convenor for GMB, & Organiser for PMG.

Talks on state of roads, maintenance, budgeting & statutory duties.

Fruitful. Traction gained.

Further meeting soon, cross party support sought for our demands.