Appendix C - Summary of Consultation Responses
Perth and Kinross Council · 6 October 2025
Back to Licensing Committee — 6 October 2025 and its agenda
Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.
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PKC - PUBLIC SUMMARY OF CONSULTATION RESPONSES This Appendix sets out a summary of the issues raised in the consultation responses. 1. Economic Impact Economic impact was a concern raised by respondents who favoured removing the limit and those who wanted no change. This indicates that there are divergent views on this issue, particularly within the taxi trade (drivers and operators). Key Concerns included: Many drivers report struggling to earn minimum wage. Fear that more licences will dilute income and force drivers out. Example Responses: “I work 60 hours a week and still struggle to make ends meet.” “Wages aren't great that's why we have lack of drivers.” “Adding plates will destroy our livelihoods!” I personally find that there is more than enough taxis in town to the point all drivers are struggling to make a living and as you sitting in your office feel that you need more maybe you should try driving a taxi for a week to find how difficult it is to earn a decent living without having to do 12/13 hrs a day just to make ends meet. 2. Value being placed on Licences Many comments linked to economic impacts came from a slightly different perspective, suggesting that having to pay to “rent” a licensed car was unfair and made it difficult to earn enough to make driving viable. The key concern is described as: Criticism of plate/licence leasing and monopoly practices which prevent new entrants and drivers from obtaining their own licence when there is a limit on numbers. Example Responses: … if I was to work independently it would be more worth my while. If only 24 plates are given they will some how end up with the taxi offices or retirees. I have to work extra hours to earn minimum amount. [Unlimited] (T)his would stop the selling of licences privately for considerable sums of money. Why don’t the council take the plates back and rent them, thus making a considerable amount of revenue annually. A taxi driver who uses a car from one of the main taxi offices has to hand over 50% of their taking to the main taxi office - this is not encouraging people to be taxi drivers - and this is a major issue - there is a shortage of taxi drivers. “… there is the issue of the Councils policy of allowing operators to transfer taxi plates for monetary gain * Also many of these places are leased out (partnerships) and for example the proceeds contribute to some pensioners income. *YOUR POLICY WOULD RENDER THE PLATES WORTHLESS.”
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PKC - PUBLIC “Drivers pay £150/week to lease plates—this is unsustainable.” I answered unlimited as most drivers can’t get rank plate as they are so expensive to buy so owner driver drivers have to rent taxi firms council would be as well charging monthly amount it would be fairer 3. Public Transport & Safety The impact of lack of taxis on the public was captured in responses, with respondents highlighting a number of key concerns: Use of taxis for other functions (e.g. school contracts). Taxis seen as a lifeline, especially for rural and disabled users. Safety concerns for women and vulnerable passengers. Example Responses: “I had to walk home alone at night because no taxis were available.” “Buses stop at 8pm—taxis are essential.” “Taxi availability affects nightlife and public safety.” The elderly population in particular in Perth is growing. The elderly give up their driving licences and vehicle ownership as they age. Travel distances to GPs, banks, and other vital services are growing. There are often no taxis available at the Mill Street rank. It is often empty with no computer rolling public narrative as to when one can be expected at the rank. It is my understanding that our licensed taxi vehicles (as well as private hires) are used for school transport and as medical couriers between Perth Royal Infirmary and Ninewells. If this is correct and the case, the current availability of taxi provision diminishes even further. 4. Competition Key Concerns: Calls for fairer licensing, Uber-style services, and modernization. Suggestions for minimum working hours, driver incentives, and app-based systems. Example Responses: “Plate barons are killing the trade—open it up!” “Let drivers apply directly for plates, not lease them.” “Introduce Uber or similar services to improve competition.” 5. Accessibility & Inclusivity As with the unmet demand survey itself, a number of comments were made about accessibility of tai services. Key Concerns included: Strong support for wheelchair-accessible vehicles. Frustration from disabled users about lack of reliable transport. Calls for inclusive licensing and driver training.
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PKC - PUBLIC Some responses which referred to this included: “It’s increasingly difficult for wheelchair users to get taxis …” “All taxis should be accessible by all of the people all of the time.” “Disabled people deserve freedom of movement.” “With respect to our disabled community in Perth, I do feel that additional wheelchair accessible vehicles would be a positive move for the taxi trade in Perth and existing operators would have no hesitation in adding such appropriate vehicles to the fleet available for hire to the community.” I think everyone should have a choice in how they travel. Whether it be power wheelchairs or manual wheelchairs, et cetera. More taxis are needed never enough in the mornings or at 3 pm in the afternoon and never any wheelchair accessible taxis available. Limited comments were received which expressed the opposite view, such as: This nonsense of a lack of wheelchair accessible taxis is farcical. Never seen someone in a WC waiting for a taxi on Murray street. 6. Driver Shortage vs. Vehicle Shortage As could be seen from the survey of the trade undertaken as part of the unmet demand survey, shortage of drivers was raised by a number of respondents, presumably mainly from the trade. Key issues raised were • a shortage of drivers, not vehicles. • Many taxis are parked due to lack of drivers. • Calls for driver recruitment, not more plates/licences. Example Responses: • “Perth does not have a taxi vehicle problem, it has a taxi driver problem.” • “There are plenty of cars sitting unused because there’s no one to drive them.” • A taxi driver who uses a car from one of the main taxi offices has to hand over 50% of their taking to the main taxi office - this is not encouraging people to be taxi drivers - and this is a major issue - there is a shortage of taxi drivers 7. Environmental Concerns Key Concerns: Mixed views on electric vehicles. Concerns about charging infrastructure and costs. Some support for hybrids or net-zero goals, others sceptical. Example Responses: “Electric vehicles are too expensive and impractical for taxi work.” “Encourage hybrid vehicles, not full electric.” “Net-zero nonsense—let drivers choose practical cars.” “Electric vehicles are the best option for the environment.”