ERLDA Holds First Annual General Meeting – Constitution Adopted and Executive Committee Elected

The East Renfrewshire Licensed Drivers' Association (ERLDA) held its first Annual General Meeting on Thursday 15 October 2026 at Newton Mearns Parish Church.

The meeting marked an important milestone in the Association's development, with members formally adopting its first constitution and the results of its first Executive Committee elections being declared.

Constitution Formally Adopted

Members attending the AGM voted unanimously to adopt the Association's Constitution & Rules, Version 1.0.

The constitution took effect on 15 October 2026 and formally establishes the governance arrangements under which ERLDA will operate, including membership rights, the responsibilities of elected office-bearers, decision-making procedures and financial administration.

The adopted constitution is now available through the Association's official channels.

Executive Committee Election Results

The results of the Association's first formal office-bearer elections were also announced.

Each position received one valid nomination, meaning all four candidates were elected unopposed.

The Executive Committee for the 2026–2028 term is:

General Secretary: John Paul Duffy

Taxi Representative: John Munn

Private Hire Representative: Nick Capuano

National Complaints Officer: Claudia Valente

The newly elected committee will be responsible for overseeing the Association's work and representing the interests of its members over the next two years.

Review of the Association's Work

During the AGM, the General Secretary presented a report outlining the work undertaken since ERLDA became an independent Association earlier this year.

This included the Association's involvement in East Renfrewshire Council's wheelchair-accessible vehicle policy review, the 10% taxi fare increase, vehicle inspection arrangements and the ongoing review of licensing conditions.

The meeting also heard about the Association's work representing individual drivers in licensing matters, alongside the continued development of membership services and relationships with other trade organisations.

A financial update was also presented, outlining the Association's income and expenditure during its initial period of independent operation.

Priorities for the Next Term

The Association outlined its main priorities for the forthcoming two-year term.

These include continued scrutiny of licensing policies and conditions, challenging unnecessary costs, promoting fair and consistent enforcement, and strengthening the representation available to members.

Improving the Licensing Committee hearing process, developing practical membership benefits and encouraging greater member participation will also remain important areas of focus.

Matters Raised by Members

During the open-floor discussion, members raised concerns about the lack of clear information from East Renfrewshire Council regarding vehicles accepted for licensing as seven-seaters.

The General Secretary undertook to contact the council seeking clarification.

Concerns were also raised about the proposed relocation of the Mearns Road taxi stance to Busby Road, particularly the potential for illegal parking and difficulties accessing the stance.

The Association acknowledged those concerns and reiterated the importance of taxi stances being accessible to the public and located in suitable, prominent positions.

The need for additional enforcement measures during any transition was also discussed.

Looking Ahead

The successful completion of ERLDA's first AGM represents another important step in establishing the Association as an independent organisation representing both taxi and private hire drivers licensed by East Renfrewshire Council.

The Association thanks everyone who attended, contributed to the discussions and continues to support its work.

Members are encouraged to take an active role in future meetings, consultations and Association activities.

East Renfrewshire Licensed Drivers' Association
Independent representation for licensed taxi and private hire drivers.

www.erlda.com

Taxi Fare Review

The Licensing Committee has now completed its review of taxi fares and has unanimously approved a 10% increase in the current fare scale.

The fare review is now been referred to public consultation.

Vehicle Age Limits Abolished 

Following campaign efforts from East Renfrewshire's trade representitives, East Renfrewshire Council has agreed to abolish vehicle age limits for licensed vehicles, marking an important change to local licensing policy.

Effective immediately.

Campaign to Remove Fire Extinguisher Requirement

ERLDA is campaigning for the removal of the requirement for licensed cars to carry fire extinguishers. The campaign focuses on ensuring licensing conditions remain proportionate and evidence-based.

The decision will be referred to committee in the coming months.