Tuesday December 16th 2025
Taxi rank at the back entrance of Waverley Station
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Joe Sullivan
An Edinburgh private hire driver has had his licence suspended for a week after he admitted picking up a passenger outside Waverley Station without a pre-booking.
Councillors heard at a licensing meeting on Monday that Mehmood Fiaz UL Hassan engaged in ‘sophistry’ with council staff when challenged on his behaviour.
In addition, they were told he attempted to overcharge his passenger, who later reported him to the council.
Mr UL Hassan’s solicitor, Jonny Nisbet, said: “He was challenged about his breach of the rules, and he has panicked, set out a set of circumstances that had no basis in reality.
“A classic in a hole, deep digging type strategy with predictable consequences. He knows he’s done wrong.
“He does genuinely wish to apologise to the licensing authority for engaging with sophistry in response to legitimate questions, and he appreciates he is now facing a sanction.”
Mr Nisbet added the driver had not had any other regulatory issues in the past seven or eight years, and he had a clean driving licence.
Private hire drivers in Edinburgh can only pick up passengers who have booked a ride in advance, according to the city’s licensing conditions.
Conservative councillor and committee convener Jo Mowat advocated for a two week suspension, enacted in 28 days, saying a warning would not go far enough.
Liberal Democrat councillor Neil Ross said: “I think there was confusion, even though on the side of the car says ‘pre-hires only’. Maybe that’s not big enough.
“Nevertheless, clearly, there was an error of judgement made on behalf of the applicant, I would prefer to, because this is a one off, there is a written warning as soon as possible.
Fellow Liberal Democrat Jack Caldwell argued for a position between the two, calling for a one week suspension enacted in 28 days.
Councillors voted for Cllr Caldwell’s position by 3-2 versus Cllr Mowat’s proposal.
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