How it will monitor the impact on (a) passenger safety and (b) adherence to licensing law of app-based hire car companies entering the Scot…

Any individual or company operating in the taxi or private hire car trade is required to work within the existing licensing regime. For example all drivers, as well as vehicles, must be licensed otherwise they will be committing a criminal offence.
We will consult on the impact of modern technology such as smartphone apps, and if required amend the relevant legislation to address concerns over passenger safety and compliance.
The provisions included within the Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2015 will further strengthen the ability of local Licensing Authorities to address concerns, for example by allowing them to limit the number of private hire car vehicle licences in their area, and the creation of the role of Civic Licensing Standards Officer, to supervise compliance, provide information and mediation to resolve disputes.
Licensing authorities have extensive powers available and we would expect them, together with Police Scotland, to take robust action regarding any failure to comply with the existing licensing law or public safety concerns. However, we will continue to liaise with them both to monitor the position.