3 days ago
Glasgow council asked to reconsider stance on female only taxi firm
A previous attempt to set up such an operation was rejected by the council on the grounds it discriminated against men.
Six years ago, a firm called Rosy and Pinks attempted to start up a female-only service, staffed by women drivers and only taking female passengers and their children.
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It was in response to some women not feeling safe in a taxi driven and controlled by a man they did not know.
The woman behind the plan, Margo Welsh, felt the option of a female driver would be a welcome addition to transport in the city.
It was knocked back by councillors at the time and comments included that such a plan would discriminate against men
Robert Connolly and Alex Wilson were among those who said it was not suitable for the city when it was proposed in 2019.
At that time, Licensing convener Alex Wilson, said: 'If it was the other way round, we would be looking at discrimination against females.'
'The whole not picking up male passengers is a concern to me. I don't think we should discriminate at all.
Conservative Councillor, at the time, Robert Connelly, added: 'It is essentially sexism towards males. It doesn't sit right with me.'
But since then, changes have been made to the Equality Act that campaigners believe give the go-ahead for such a service to exist.
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Now, Govan Law Centre has asked the council to reconsider its position on allowing a women-only firm to be licensed.
It has stated the Act does not prohibit sex discrimination where a service provider offers separate services for men and women in specific circumstances.
One of the circumstances is 'providing the service separately to women and men is a proportionate means of achieving a legitimate aim'.
Govan Law Centre said a change to the Equality Act includes a new section on justification of separate and single- sex services.
(Image: Newsquest)
Lorna Walker, senior solicitor with Govan Law Centre, said: ' We have already highlighted concerns about women travelling alone, late at night and without any control over their physical space in the vehicle, 'where there will be limited ability for women to leave or to chose an alternative service' and there are increased incidences of 'male violence against women' and being in an enclosed space, could put women at a particular disadvantage.
'And given the statistical increase in domestic abuse and rape cases across Glasgow, we are asking again if Glasgow City Council has now changed its policy in light of UK Supreme Court case of For Women Scotland?'
A spokesperson for the council, said: 'We have responded to Govan Law Centre on this matter, seeking clarification on a number of points that they raised. We are awaiting further information from them on this matter.
'Taxi and private hire car licensing is regulated through the Civic Government (Scotland) Act, which has created a system of checks and scrutiny for all drivers, vehicles and operators that is focused on ensuring public safety.
'All applications for licences are determined on the merits of an individual case and within the context of the legislation and policies that regulate this area of activity.'
