WHO’S PROTECTING THE TAXI DRIVERS? Driver’s safeguarding being overlooked for passenger safety reveals national survey
Driver safety in the UK taxi and private hire industry is being overlooked, with many facing verbal and physical abuse while on the job. That reality was uncovered by the National Taxi and Private Hire Driver Survey 2024/25, which gathered responses from nearly 1,500 licensed drivers across the country.
While safeguarding measures for passengers have seen major improvements in recent years, the same cannot be said for drivers. The survey found that an overwhelming 88.5% of drivers believe more needs to be done to protect them while working. Despite the growing risks, authorities appear slow to act on the issue.
For many taxi and private hire drivers, facing aggression and violence has become a routine part of the job. The survey revealed that over half (52.8%) have been verbally abused by passengers, while 40.9% have experienced physical violence. In addition, 40.5% of respondents reported racial abuse—a figure that rises sharply among ethnic minority drivers.
Alcohol and drug use among passengers is another key concern. Nearly half (46.3%) of drivers have had passengers vomit in their vehicles, while 28.4% reported incidents of passengers openly taking drugs. These behaviours create a hostile working environment, but drivers feel they have little support when issues arise.
Despite these risks, many drivers believe their concerns are not taken seriously. When asked about their licensing authority’s response to driver safety, 31.6% said concerns are rarely addressed, and 20.9% felt they are never listened to.
Authorities have introduced stricter policies to protect passengers, such as DBS checks, safeguarding training, and tougher licensing conditions. However, similar efforts to protect drivers remain limited.
When asked how safety could be improved, drivers suggested mandatory CCTV in vehicles, security screens, emergency alarms linked to police, and improved information sharing between licensing bodies, police, and operators. Yet, only 44.9% of drivers currently have CCTV installed in their vehicle.
In many other professions, incidents of verbal and physical abuse would trigger immediate action. But for taxi and private hire drivers, these experiences are often dismissed as part of the job.
The demand for better driver safeguarding is strongest in Northern Ireland (98.4%), Wales (97.9%), and Scotland (96.3%)—regions that also have some of the highest levels of alcohol-related harm.
While safeguarding training for drivers is now widespread, many feel more practical steps are needed to ensure their safety while working. Without stronger safeguarding policies, driver retention may become an increasing challenge. As attacks continue, many will be left questioning whether the risks of the job outweigh the rewards.
