Avon and Somerset Police set to launch new taxi driver safety review group
- Perry Richardson
- Sep 28
- 2 min read
A new police-led initiative is set to be launched to provide greater support for taxi and private hire drivers across the Avon and Somerset area.
PC Patrick Quinton, known as the force’s Taxi Cop, has been reviewing incidents involving the sector. A recent weekday analysis revealed 17 reports mentioning taxis in a single day. These included five cases linked to missing or vulnerable persons, one passenger leaving without paying, and one driver being assaulted by passengers. Other reports involved property left in vehicles and antisocial behaviour towards drivers on a station rank.
PC Quinton said the figures underline how much support drivers need and confirmed plans for a new “Protect and Prevent Group”.
The group are set to meet monthly, with cases selected where drivers have reported issues. A police supervisor and licensing managers from South Gloucestershire, North Somerset, Somerset and Bath and North East Somerset councils will review the cases. Drivers involved will be invited to give their account, with the group assessing whether the police response was appropriate and if preventative action could have been taken.
The aim is to share learning and provide practical measures to improve safety and reduce crime against drivers. The first session is expected to be held next month.
PC Quinton said: “You might remember that I looked at all crime reports involving taxis and private hires across the Avon and Somerset police area over a weekend recently.
Quinton added: “It's still early days, but I think the figures are showing how much drivers need support.
“To provide that extra support, I'm starting a "Protect and Prevent Group". Each month, I will select cases where drivers have reported issues and review them with a police supervisor, and Licensing Managers from South Glos, North Somerset, Somerset and BANES Councils.
“We will invite the driver to join us to hear about the incident from their point of view, find out if the police response was correct, see if there is anything that could have been done to prevent that crime and share that learning to protect other drivers.
“I hope to hold the first one next month and I'll let you know what we find.”
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