142 alleged assaults on taxi and PHV drivers reported in London, with only three charges brought

A total of 142 alleged assaults were recorded against taxi and private hire drivers in London between November 2023 and May 2024, new Metropolitan Police data has shown.

The figures, covering a six-month period, reveal that drivers continue to face significant levels of violence and abuse while working across the capital. The data lists a range of offences, including 72 assaults without injury, 45 cases of actual bodily harm, and 18 incidents of grievous bodily harm without intent. Two cases were categorised as wounding or endangering life.

Five allegations of assault were identified as racially or religiously aggravated, with one involving actual bodily harm and four resulting in no physical injury.

Despite the scale of violence, only three cases resulted in a charge, summons, or postal requisition during the reporting period. The majority of investigations did not progress due to evidential difficulties or the absence of a suspect.

According to the report detailed in a Freedom of Information request result, 56 cases were closed after being investigated as far as reasonably possible, with no suspect identified. In 33 cases, a suspect was named but evidential issues prevented further action. A further 12 incidents involved confirmed crimes where the victim either declined or was unable to support further police investigation.

Eleven cases involved named suspects where victims initially supported police action but evidential problems halted proceedings. Twenty-two cases were categorised as “N/A”, while five were marked as pending outcome under legacy systems.

The low rate of charges reflects the challenges faced by both police and drivers in bringing offenders to justice. Incidents often occur in fast-moving or isolated situations, where limited CCTV coverage or lack of witnesses can hinder investigations.

Driver safety continues to be a growing concern across the taxi and private hire sectors throughout the UK, with trade representatives calling for better protection measures such as quicker police response times and tougher penalties for offenders.