The East Fife Taxi Association (EFTA) has confirmed it will formally object to Uber Scot Limited’s application for a Booking Office Licence in Fife, while criticising Fife Council for what it describes as “extremely poor communication” with the local taxi trade.
A public notice issued by Fife Council under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 states that Uber Scot Limited applied on 23 January 2026 for a Booking Office Licence in respect of premises at Rosyth Business Centre, Unit 18, 16 Cromarty Campus, KY11 2WX, with proposed operating hours of 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
EFTA says the application raises serious concerns for locally licensed taxi and private hire drivers operating across East Fife and the wider Fife area.
EFTA spokesperson Linda Holt said:
“Our members operate to the high standards set and enforced by Fife Council and are part of the communities they serve.
We have significant concerns about the impact this application could have on local drivers’ livelihoods, passenger safety, regulatory fairness and the long-term sustainability of the trade.
We will be submitting a formal objection and asking Fife Council to fully and transparently examine the wider implications before any licence is granted.”
EFTA’s formal objection (forwarded in a separate email including annexes), submitted on strictly legal grounds, argues that Uber does not meet the “fit and proper person” test required under licensing law. The Association also highlights concerns that:
- The named day-to-day manager resides in York,
- Corporate control and operational systems are centralised outside Fife,
- The Rosyth premises appear to be a nominal administrative address rather than a genuine operational base,
- These factors raise enforceability and public safety concerns,
- The application does not comply with Fife Council’s Booking Office conditions
While EFTA supports fair and lawful competition, the Association maintains that any operator entering the Fife market must be subject to meaningful local accountability, effective oversight, and a genuinely level playing field.
The Association has also expressed disappointment at what it describes as a failure by Fife Council to properly communicate the application to the licensed trade.
Linda Holt added:
“Fife Council recently held a meeting with taxi operators across Fife to improve communication and engagement with the trade. Many operators are surprised and disappointed that members of the Licensing Department and Committee did not mention the Uber application, despite it having been lodged on 23 January.
Publicity appears to have been limited to a single pinned notice at the premises requiring objections to be submitted by post.
We have since confirmed with Fife Council that objections can in fact be submitted by email to Misc.Licensing@fife.gov.uk. That information should have been made clear from the outset.”
EFTA is encouraging members of the public and the licensed trade to engage with the statutory consultation process and submit representations before the deadline of 19 February 2026.
A petition enabling members of the public to object to the Uber application is available at: www.eastfife.scot
The Association remains committed to protecting high standards, supporting local drivers, and ensuring that transport services across East Fife remain safe, accountable, and community-focused.
For media enquiries, please contact:
East Fife Taxi Association (EFTA)
Linda Holt
admin@eastfife.scot
07759 509 884
EFTA Objection: View Objection
Public Objection Template: Sign the Objection