University teams up with taxi association to study Lancashire taxi safety perceptions
The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) has partnered with Chorley Taxi Association to gauge public sentiment on taxi safety across Lancashire.
This month-long survey, led by Professor Joanne Westwood and Dr Helen Richardson Foster, seeks insights from local passengers to address any safety concerns around taxi use in the region.
The research is focused solely on standard taxis within Lancashire, excluding Uber and other rideshare platforms, say the university. Survey participants, aged 18 and above, are encouraged to share their experiences anonymously. The findings will help to shape future safety improvements in the county’s taxi services.
Professor Westwood, based at UCLan’s Connect Centre, emphasised that while many safety measures are already in place, there are indications that some passengers may still feel uneasy in taxis. The study aims to identify these concerns and explore how the industry can further improve the passenger experience.
Westwood said: “This survey is sense checking Lancashire’s taxi users. People use taxis for all sorts of reasons and sometimes it’s the only mode of transport available.
“Despite a range of safety features being in place, we’ve heard anecdotally that some people don’t feel safe being in taxis so we want to capture people’s thoughts and discover what makes them feel unsafe.
“Our aim is to get a clear picture and then see what can be done to help users and the taxi drivers.”
Shaz Malik, a long-time operator of Four Sixes Taxis in Chorley and a key figure in launching this research, highlights the role of taxi services in local communities. Malik said: “Taxi drivers play a vital role in our local communities and are a key cog in our transport link. Our goal is to ensure that traveling by taxi is as safe as possible for both passengers and drivers.
“The safety standards in our local boroughs, like Chorley, exceed those in other areas. All vehicles are rigorously maintained to guarantee their roadworthiness, and comprehensive tests are conducted before a driver is issued a badge.
“Despite these precautions, we recognise that some individuals still have safety concerns. Therefore, as an industry, we are committed to taking all necessary steps to ensure that our customers feel secure and satisfied when utilising taxi services."
The survey will close at the end of November, with UCLan and Chorley Taxi Association committed to translating passenger feedback into actionable improvements.
