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Figures released by Transport for London (TfL) reveal eleven drivers working for ride-sharing operator Uber, were charged with sexually assaulting a private hire passenger in 2018.
The figures showing the breakdown of private hire operators who have had one or more of its drivers charged with sexual offences on passengers also include four other firms - all of which had one driver charged.
Of the eleven Uber drivers charged, two were convicted, five were found to be not guilty and four await court hearing or outcome.
Uber were refused an operating licence in London by TfL in November 2019 after a number of safety issues surfaced.
The decision has been challenged by Uber, by way of an appeal, which has yet to have a date announced.
Recorded crime figures for Taxi and Private Hire journey-related sexual offences for 2018 totalled 294.
25 of those were for 'Rape' and 269 were for 'Other sexual offences.'
Mandy McGregor, Head of Transport Policing and Community Safety at Transport for London, said: “We do not tolerate any crime or behaviour that makes passengers feel uncomfortable on any mode of transport, including while travelling by taxi or minicab. While we know the majority of taxi and private hire drivers operate safely and legally, we continue to work closely with the Metropolitan Police and City of London Police to improve the safety of taxi and minicab journeys in London. This includes our work to tackle taxi and private hire journey-related sexual offences, encouraging and making it easier for passengers to report incidents and investigating and taking action against offenders.
“We expect the highest standards of behaviour and any sexual behaviour by a licensed driver towards a passenger is completely unacceptable. We would urge anyone who experiences this to report it immediately to TfL and the police so it can be taken seriously and investigated.”
Image credit: TaxiPoint
