Edinburgh Black Cab union calls for taxis to be exempt from Edinburgh Airport drop-off charges
Airport blames £8 million business rates rise for charge increase
Unite’s Edinburgh Black Cab Branch is calling for licensed taxis to be exempt from Edinburgh Airport drop-off charges, following the recent price increase.
The price to drop-off passengers outside the main terminal building at Edinburgh Airport increased from £6 to £8.50 from Monday, May 18.
This increase has also hit the black cab licensed taxi drivers in Edinburgh, who currently receive £6 back on the meter every time they pick-up or drop-off at the airport. And while this is set to rise to £7 from June 9, drivers are still being left £1.50 out of pocket for each fare.
The trade’s union representative has now written to Edinburgh Airport, the Scottish Government and City of Edinburgh Council, calling for an exemption for black cab drivers, and ultimately private hire drivers also. The union’s stance has also been backed by the council’s transport convener, who called the rise “outrageous and unjustified”.
The union argued that licensed black cabs should be treated differently from private motorists because they form “a recognised and essential part of Scotland’s public transport network” which it said should be “supported, encouraged, and made accessible, not penalised”.
It added that the charges go against Scottish Government policy which “promoted the importance of integrated and sustainable public transport while encouraging reduced reliance on private car ownership”.
In the letter, seen by the Evening News, the Unite the Union secretary for the Edinburgh Black Cab Branch calls for urgent policy and legislative change regarding the removal of airport barrier charges for licensed public transport operators, citing the knock-on cost to customers, particularly those with mobility issues who rely on taxis to get to the airport.
He said: “At a time when working families and small operators continue to face significant economic challenges, these escalating costs inevitably impact the travelling public. Additional charges imposed upon licensed taxis are ultimately passed directly onto passengers, many of whom rely heavily upon accessible and direct transport services.
“Licensed black cabs are a fully regulated and accountable part of Scotland’s transport infrastructure and should be clearly distinguished from private vehicles using airport facilities for personal convenience.
“The current charging structure disproportionately affects elderly passengers, disabled passengers, families travelling with luggage, and those requiring transport during unsociable hours where alternative public transport options may be limited or unavailable.
“While Edinburgh Airport rightly promotes accessibility and assistance services for passengers with reduced mobility, increasing barrier charges place an additional burden on the very passengers most likely to depend upon taxis as their primary means of transport.”
As well as a waiver or exemption from airport barrier charges for licensed black cabs and recognised public transport operators, the union is also requesting the implementation of a reasonable grace period permitting a maximum stay of 10 minutes within designated drop-off areas for legitimate passenger pick-up and drop-off activity.
Backing the taxi trade union’s calls for an exemption, Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said: “I am fully supportive of Unite the Union’s position and think the increased charge is both outrageous and unjustified. I would respectfully ask Edinburgh Airport to reconsider their decision to increase the fee so drastically.”
A spokesperson for Edinburgh Airport said the additional £8 million cost to Edinburgh airport's business rates forced the decision to increase the charge, adding: “Taxi drivers faced the same choice as the airport - absorb additional costs or pass them on to customers. They made the same difficult decision we did.
"The cost ending with the passenger is perhaps an unintended consequence of the assessor's decision, and passengers continue to have a range of public transport options available, including taxi services."
The spokesperson added that the free drop-off and pick-up area, where passengers can park for up to 30 minutes without charge, will remain in place with more spaces added.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The Scottish Government is grateful for the engagement of Unite the Union on this important matter. We have received the letter, which will be considered and responded to in due course.”