Technical Notes 2024, Issue 129 - Taxi Update

1. The purpose of this Technical Note is to update Members in relation to work being undertaken to increase the uptake of taxi operator licences in the East Dunbartonshire Area.

2. As Members will be aware, following the Policy & Resources Committee on 25th August 2022, it was agreed that an exercise would be undertaken by Officers to encourage applications to be made for taxi operator licence. To facilitate this, it was agreed that some of the usual requirements of the licensing process be temporarily amended. 

3. On 24th April 2024, a further campaign was launched in a further attempt to increase numbers of taxi operators. The campaign extended the relaxation of the requirement that those wishing to apply for a taxi operator licence must have a suitable vehicle at the point of application. Instead, details of a suitable vehicle must be provided prior to the granting of the licence after completion of other checks on the application. The campaign also highlighted that there would not be a requirement to have insurance in place at the point of application. Instead, evidence of suitable insurance can be provided once other checks have been carried out and a suitable vehicle obtained – all before licences are issued.

4. The campaign consists of:

• Promotional material both on social media, the Council’s website and a media releases in April and in May. This included coverage in Taxi Point [opens in a new window]. There have been over 24,000 views on social media.
• A short video which appears both on YouTube, the Council’s social media and its website. This has been viewed over 2,700 times.
• Promotional material has also been placed at public places operated by both the Council and the East Dunbartonshire Leisure & Culture Trust including the Hubs and libraries. 

5. As part of the promotion of this campaign, Officers have liaised with the Dunbartonshire Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber of Commerce has included the Council’s promotional material in its own monthly Enews that was issued in May. The monthly Enews has more than 1500 recipients. The Chamber of Commerce has also promoted the campaign through its own social media.          

6. As of 23rd April 2023, there were 192 taxi operator licence holders. This has increased to 203 current taxi operator licence holders as of 29th July 2024, and 10 applications pending determination. While this is still below the cap of 300 operator licences, there has been an increase in the past year. It has also been noted that there have been licences granted to businesses which have not previously operated in East Dunbartonshire. There is potential that these new controllers/booking offices may look to increase their operator numbers. The establishment of new businesses and the potential for additional operators is positive in terms of early signs of regrowth and shows a confidence in the potential of the local market.