Jardine Wants Kids’ Taxi Outing Saved

Edinburgh West MP Christine Jardine has called for urgent action to save the city's annual Taxi Outing for children with additional needs.

It follows a change of policy by the National Police Chiefs’ Council which now means they cannot escort the procession.

The event, which has been running since 1947, traditionally relies on a managed police escort to move dozens of taxis safely through the city. Organisers say the new rules make the outing unworkable.

Liberal Democrat MP Christine Jardine said she has been contacted by constituents appealing for the event to be saved. 

Christine said: "We all recognise the value of this cherished tradition, not just to the children but to the spirit of the city. It needs to be saved. 

“It is heartbreaking to think that the children may lose out because of a rigid national policy. Edinburgh’s taxi drivers have given their time to this event for generations, and the community is rightly proud of all involved in making this truly special day happen.

"I will be speaking with other politicians across the city, and I intend to raise it with the police at a meeting I have arranged.

"I believe that the people of Edinburgh will want us to work together to try to save this event and make sure the children, their families and the taxi drivers have another fantastic day."