Edinburgh Drivers Protest Unfair Treatment

0:00It's March 30. This is Edinburgh News Today, powered by AI. Private-hired drivers in Edinburgh hit the streets in protest, calling out the City Council for unfair treatment that squeezing their livelihoods. They point to crumbling roads, bands on using bus lanes, and a flood of new drivers making it tougher to earn a living. Over 3,000 private-hired vehicles are licensed here, compared to just 1,074 taxis. These get full access to bus lanes, but private-hired cars are locked out, even though both pay the same fees and follow the same rules. Counselors shot down a push to change that last November, and while a review on bus gates and traffic filters is underway, a promise survey on, license over provision hasn't even started yet. Drivers like Stuart Livingston are fed up, saying the roads are a disgrace and the council demands high standards from them but skims on its own. Roth White from the Drivers Group adds that many are struggling to find work, feeling treated like a side hustle, was some ready to bail on the job, altogether.

1:04The council's transport convener, Stephen Jenkinson, pushes back, noting heavy investments in road repairs despite nationwide budget crunches that could cost billions to fix everything. He's not keen on opening bus lanes to anyone but buses. His toss continue between drivers, taxis, and the council. The push for a fair road network keeps rolling, aiming to balance everyone's needs on. Edinburgh's streets.