Glasgow private hire drivers win battle to raise vehicle age limit to 10 years

Private hire drivers in Glasgow have won their battle with the City Council to keep their cars on the road for longer.

They will now be able to use a car for up to 10 years rather than seven, providing it meets health and safety rules. The move has been welcomed by drivers, as will help to reduce financial pressures on drivers.

The seven-year limit was put in place in 2006, though it was extended during the pandemic. Drivers have been campaigning for years to get the rule changed, arguing that modern vehicles are more durable. 

The Scottish Private Hire Association (SPHA) has been leading the campaign to have the age limit increased to 10 years, citing the high cost of living, high cost of fuel and used car prices. The move is being backed by other organisations such as Saltire Private Hire, Raz Private Hire and the App Drivers and Couriers Union (ADCU).

Last November, licensing bosses instructed the council’s executive to prepare a report on the age limit policy “with a view to the upper age limit being increased”, and a public consultation took place this summer.

However, cars that do not meet either Euro 4 (petrol) or Euro 6 (diesel) levels cannot be licensed following the introduction of the Glasgow Low Emissions Zone. This means some diesels between 7 and 10 years old might not comply. All petrol vehicles up to 10 years old are unaffected.