Council should assess impact of cab driver shortage

The Council must assess the impact of the Covid crisis on South Lanarkshire’s taxi and private hire trade, say local Labour councillors.

There are growing reports of long waits for cabs and driver shortages as the sector emerges from the coronavirus crisis. In some cases, a lack of available taxi and private hire vehicles is driving concern about social isolation and public safety. The industry body, the Licensed Private Hire Car Association, described UK-wide driver shortages as a ‘real national problem’.

Councillor Andy Carmichael, South Lanarkshire Labour’s Licensing Spokesperson, said: 

“Taxi and private hire drivers provide an essential service to many people in our communities. Quick and safe access to a cab can be a lifeline for people with disabilities and for anyone who feels vulnerable travelling at night. According to the Office of National Statistics, almost half of women do not feel safe walking alone after dark.

“There are increasing reports from right across the country that people are unable to get a cab when they need it. Many drivers left the sector during the Covid crisis. Some will have upskilled to help fill the HGV driver shortage. The rise of online delivery apps has had an impact too. The Council and Police Scotland should assess the impact of the pandemic on the taxi and private hire business in South Lanarkshire. We have to consider what reasonable steps the Council could take as a licensing authority to help secure a more resilient trade locally.”