Advertising screens could be installed in Edinburgh taxis if councillors approve a proposal at an upcoming meeting.
LA Trading, a company specialising in this service, has already introduced the screens in several UK cities, including Manchester, Belfast, and Brighton.
The proposed screens would be optional for taxis and would be installed on the driver’s side of the perspex barrier inside each cab.
The firm has assured that advertisements containing offensive language, or promoting alcohol, tobacco, gambling, or vaping, would not be displayed.
Furthermore, any content that could defame race, gender, religious belief, or lifestyle would be banned.
LA Trading also said it would be open to running adverts past the council each month, but added that its experience ensures nothing inappropriate would slip through.
The screens would not play audio, would not obstruct drivers' view of the rear window, and could be turned off at a passenger’s request.
LA Trading also offered to give the council airtime on the screens to promote health and safety messages, potentially reaching up to 1.2 million riders per month if the company installs its screens in 200 taxis initially.
A report by council officers did not actively support the proposal.
However, they stated they had no objections as long as the proposal met safety requirements and the plans proposed by the operators.
Each screen installation would need to be checked and approved for use at the council’s taxi testing and licensing centre.
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Officers did note that the placement of the screen could slightly reduce a driver’s ability to monitor the general wellbeing of passengers.
LA Trading assured that the screens pose no physical safety risks to passengers or drivers, and that they would not become projectiles in a collision.
The screens would be attached to the perspex divider using adhesives, ensuring that vehicle warranties remain intact.
