Charity Taxi Outing Cancelled Over Police Escort Withdrawal
A longstanding charity event in Edinburgh, organised by black cab drivers, has been cancelled after Police Scotland stated they could no longer provide a motorbike escort.
The Edinburgh Taxi Outing has been held for nearly 80 years, offering children with special needs, life-limiting conditions, and terminal illnesses a day trip in East Lothian.
Organisers explained that without the police escort, the convoy would face traffic delays, compromising the safety and comfort of the children.
Police Scotland attributed the withdrawal of the escort to a "policy change" but indicated willingness to collaborate with organisers to find alternative solutions.
It is understood that the new policy restricts police motorbike escorts to certain types of events.
However, there is potential for the event's future as it appears Police Scotland may have misunderstood the policy's scope.
Clarification on Policy and Organisers’ Response
Keith J Bell, secretary of the Edinburgh Taxi Outing, stated that the senior police officer responsible for the policy informed him it applies only to football-related events.
Bell noted that Police Scotland and the City of Edinburgh Council have consistently supported the event over the years.
The event involves a convoy of taxis transporting children from Edinburgh Zoo through the city to Archerfield Walled Garden in East Lothian.
"The outing would not have happened without the support of the motorcycle unit, and as that support has been withdrawn due to the new policy, we have had no option but to cancel the outing."
"The children participating on the outing have a variety of needs and some will not manage to cope with sitting stationary for who knows how long waiting for the taxis at the back to catch up.
So as our number one priority has been, and always will be the comfort and safety of the children, we have reluctantly decided to cancel this year's outing."
Communication with National Police Authorities
Bell later told BBC Radio Scotland Breakfast that he contacted Mark Roberts, chief constable of Cheshire Police and author of the policy.
Roberts, who also serves as the national lead for football at the National Chief Police Council, expressed confusion regarding Police Scotland's decision.
"I emailed him and within an hour he had personally responded to me,"Bell said.
"He told me the policy he thought Police Scotland referred to was only to be applied to football coaches, match officials and referees.
So he couldn't understand why it was being applied to us. He said, 'I'm as confused about this as you are.'
So he said he will contact Police Scotland to see what is going on. But at this time I really don't know what is happening."
It is understood that the National Chief Police Council is aware of the situation, considers it a misunderstanding, and is working to resolve it.
Police and Council Statements
Chief Inspector Craig Rogerson of Police Scotland confirmed discussions with the event organisers, which was scheduled for 9 June.
"We remain committed to working constructively with the organising committee and other key delivery partners to explore alternative options that would allow the event to proceed safely."
Meanwhile, the City of Edinburgh Council has submitted an emergency motion to seek a resolution.
Council leader Jane Meagher commented:
"The annual Children's Taxi Drivers' Outing has been a much-loved fixture in the city's calendar since the 1940s, providing a fun and memorable day out for some of Edinburgh's most vulnerable children.
I really hope a solution can be found to allow the event to go ahead as planned this year."
