Edinburgh's Taxi Turmoil: The Rise of 'Seagulling'

Edinburgh, a city renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and bustling streets, relies heavily on its taxi and private hire services to keep its residents and visitors moving. However, beneath the surface of convenience, a concerning trend has emerged: a significant increase in complaints against drivers, particularly related to an illicit practice known as 'seagulling'. This rise in reported issues signals a critical need for public awareness and stricter enforcement to ensure passenger safety and maintain the integrity of the capital's transport network.

For years, the council has seen a steady uptick in grievances lodged against licensed drivers. Data reveals a continuous escalation in complaints, climbing every year since 2015. By the end of November 2019, Edinburgh City Council had been inundated with a staggering 1,231 complaints. This figure represents a considerable jump from previous years, with 1,061 complaints recorded in 2018 and just 550 in both 2015 and 2016. This upward trajectory highlights growing concerns among the public and a potential strain on regulatory oversight.

The Alarming Rise of 'Seagulling' Complaints

Among the various types of complaints, one category has seen an especially dramatic surge: 'seagulling'. This term refers to the illegal practice where private hire drivers pick up passengers who have not pre-booked a journey. Unlike traditional taxis, private hire vehicles are legally required to be pre-booked, and engaging in street hails directly violates their licence conditions. The figures are stark: complaints over 'seagulling' rocketed from 39 in 2018 to an astonishing 152 in 2019. This four-fold increase is particularly worrying because of the severe implications for passenger safety.

When a private hire driver engages in 'seagulling', passengers are left without valid insurance for their journey. This means that in the unfortunate event of an accident, passengers may not be covered for injuries or damages, placing them in an incredibly vulnerable position. The driver, by breaking their licence conditions, is essentially driving without the appropriate insurance coverage for that specific type of fare. This fundamental breach of trust and safety underscores why council officials and public safety advocates are calling for greater public awareness of these inherent risks.

Understanding the Complaint Landscape: A Detailed Breakdown

The 2019 figures, compiled up to the end of November, provide a granular view of the issues plaguing Edinburgh's taxi and private hire sectors. Of the 1,231 total complaints, a significant proportion – 694 – were directed at private hire vehicles, while 523 related to traditional taxis. This distribution is noteworthy, especially considering that 2019 marked the first time there were more private hire drivers licensed in Edinburgh (3,153) than taxi drivers (2,934).

Here's a detailed look at the complaint categories for 2019 (to November):

Beyond 'seagulling', other significant areas of concern include 'Driving Manner' (270 complaints), 'Inappropriate parking' (158 complaints), and 'Aggressive Behaviour' (147 complaints). The 'Miscellaneous' category, with 289 complaints, suggests a wide array of other issues that may not fit neatly into predefined categories.

Vehicle Safety: A Quarter Fail Roadside Checks

The concerns extend beyond driver behaviour to the safety of the vehicles themselves. A focused crackdown by council officials and Police Scotland, conducted between February and October 2019, revealed a troubling statistic: 172 out of 681 vehicles stopped had a defect or fault. This translates to a compliance rate of just 75 per cent, meaning a significant one quarter of licensed vehicles did not meet the correct standards. This finding raises serious questions about the frequency and thoroughness of vehicle inspections and the overall safety of the fleet operating on Edinburgh's streets.

Liberal Democrat Cllr Neil Ross highlighted this issue, stating, "Based on the inspections carried out recently, the 25 per cent vehicle fault rate shows there is a need for this." He advocates for systematic roadside vehicle inspections to enforce regulations and licence conditions, arguing that such checks should not be dependent on resource availability but should be a structured and consistent part of the regulatory process.

The Shifting Dynamics of Licences

The landscape of Edinburgh's taxi and private hire industry has seen a notable transformation in recent years, particularly concerning the number of licensed vehicles. The total number of licensed vehicles has steadily grown from 4,357 in 2015 to 6,087 in 2019. However, the most significant shift lies in the composition of this fleet.

As the table above illustrates, while the number of traditional taxi licences has seen a slight decline from its 2016 peak, private hire car licences have surged dramatically, more than doubling from 1,258 in 2015 to 3,153 in 2019. This exponential growth of private hire vehicles, driven in part by the popularity of app-based services, has led to a situation where private hire cars now outnumber traditional taxis in the capital. This shift has prompted councillors to call for an investigation into potentially capping the number of private hire drivers operating in Edinburgh, a move aimed at better managing the burgeoning sector.

Council's Response and the Challenge of Substantiation

Edinburgh City Council maintains that it takes complaints seriously, with robust procedures in place for recording, investigating, and taking appropriate action. Cllr Catherine Fullerton, the council’s licensing convener, affirmed, "The council treats complaints seriously and procedures in place are extremely thorough with individual complaints recorded, investigated robustly and appropriate action taken as required." She also noted that the licensing team actively encourages feedback, which can contribute to the increased volume of complaints received.

However, a significant challenge lies in substantiating these complaints. Council officials warned that out of 2,166 complaints received between January 2018 and September 2019, only 302 – a mere 14 per cent – were found to be substantiated with sufficient evidence to require formal action. This disparity between the number of complaints received and those leading to formal action highlights the difficulties in proving alleged misconduct, particularly for issues like 'seagulling'. Cllr Fullerton further clarified that while there are increased levels of complaints about illegal pick-ups, "when investigated the vast majority find that the vehicle was pre-booked and therefore no illegal activity has taken place." This suggests that while public concern is high, concrete evidence for illegal activities can be elusive.

There are also instances where a single incident can generate a large volume of complaints. For example, 75 separate complaints were received following a widely publicised incident in June 2019 during the annual Taxi Trades Children’s Outing, where a private hire driver protested against being splattered with water by lying down in front of the procession on the Royal Mile. Such events, amplified by social media, can skew overall complaint numbers.

Ensuring Your Safety: Tips for Passengers

Given the complexities and risks associated with 'seagulling' and other issues, it is paramount for passengers to be vigilant and informed. Pre-booking your private hire journey is not just a recommendation; it is a legal requirement for your safety and insurance coverage. If you step into a private hire vehicle that you have not pre-booked, you are essentially travelling uninsured, and the driver is operating illegally.

Here are key tips to ensure a safe and legitimate journey:

• Always Pre-Book Private Hire Vehicles: This is the golden rule. Use reputable apps or call a licensed private hire company directly. Confirm your booking details (driver, vehicle registration) before getting in.
• Verify Your Driver: When your booked vehicle arrives, always check that the driver, vehicle make/model, and registration number match the details provided by your booking service.
• Understand the Difference: Traditional taxis (black cabs or distinctive liveries) can be hailed on the street. Private hire vehicles cannot. Be aware of the distinction.
• Look for Licensing: Both taxis and private hire vehicles should display clear licensing plates and badges issued by the council.
• Report Concerns: If you suspect illegal activity, such as 'seagulling', or experience any issues, report them to Edinburgh City Council's licensing department. Provide as much detail as possible, including vehicle registration, time, and location.
• Be Aware of Insurance: Remember, if a private hire vehicle is picking you up without a pre-booking, their insurance for that journey is likely invalid, leaving you exposed in case of an accident.

Frequently Asked Questions

To further clarify the issues surrounding taxi and private hire services in Edinburgh, here are some frequently asked questions:

What exactly is 'seagulling'?

'Seagulling' is the illegal practice where a private hire driver picks up passengers who have not pre-booked their journey. Unlike traditional taxis, private hire vehicles are not permitted to be hailed on the street or wait at taxi ranks for unbooked fares. They must operate solely on pre-booked assignments.

Why is 'seagulling' dangerous for passengers?

The primary danger of 'seagulling' is that passengers are not insured for the journey. When a private hire driver accepts an unbooked fare, they are breaking their licence conditions and driving without valid insurance for that specific trip. In the event of an accident, passengers may have no legal recourse for personal injury or property damage.

How many 'seagulling' complaints were there in Edinburgh in 2019?

In 2019, up to the end of November, there were 152 complaints specifically related to 'seagulling'. This marks a significant increase from 39 complaints in 2018, representing a four-fold rise.

Are all complaints against taxi and private hire drivers substantiated?

No. While the council receives a high volume of complaints, only a small percentage are found to be substantiated with sufficient evidence to warrant formal action. For example, between January 2018 and September 2019, only 302 out of 2,166 complaints were substantiated.

What is the difference between a taxi and a private hire vehicle in terms of booking?

A traditional taxi (often a black cab or a specifically liveried vehicle) can be hailed on the street, picked up from a taxi rank, or pre-booked. A private hire vehicle, on the other hand, must always be pre-booked through an operator (e.g., via an app or phone call) and cannot be legally hailed from the street or pick up from a rank without a prior booking.

What should I do if I suspect a private hire driver is 'seagulling'?

If you suspect a private hire driver is picking up passengers illegally, or if you are approached by one, you should decline the ride and report the incident to Edinburgh City Council's licensing department. Try to note down the vehicle's registration number, the time, and the location.

Are Edinburgh's licensed vehicles regularly checked for safety?

Yes, council officials and Police Scotland conduct roadside checks. However, recent checks between February and October 2019 found that 25 per cent of vehicles had a defect or fault, indicating a need for more systematic and rigorous inspections to ensure all licensed vehicles meet safety standards.

Conclusion

The rising tide of complaints against Edinburgh's taxi and private hire drivers, particularly the alarming surge in 'seagulling' incidents, underscores a critical juncture for the city's transport services. While the increasing availability of competitive options is welcomed by many, the underlying issues of passenger safety, insurance validity, and vehicle standards demand robust attention. The council's efforts to investigate complaints are ongoing, but the onus also falls on the public to be informed and vigilant. By understanding the risks associated with 'seagulling' and adhering to safe booking practices, passengers can play a vital role in protecting themselves and contributing to a safer, more reliable transport system in Edinburgh. The call for greater public awareness and more systematic enforcement is clear: ensuring every journey is not just convenient, but also secure and fully insured.

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