Bolt drivers protest outside London office calling for improved safety measures

Image credit: UPHD - IWGB

Private hire drivers who work on the Bolt ride-hailing app spent the day yesterday (4 May) protesting outside the firm's London office against the 'lack of safety measures' taken by the Estonian born company.

The protest was arranged by the Independent Workers of Great Britain Union (IWGB) - United Private Hire Drivers arm (UPHD), whose Chairman, Nader Awaad, wrote to Bolt's CEO Markus Billing setting out a number of concerns surrounding the firm's safety measures, following the tragic murder of Gabriel Bringye, a Bolt driver who was stabbed to death while sitting in his car in North London.

The union says they conducted a driver survey which found 71% of drivers who responded have been physically assaulted at least once by a customer whilst on a job.

They claim only one week after Gabriel’s death, another driver had his vehicle stolen at knifepoint by a customer who allegedly ordered a ride through a stolen mobile phone.

A UPHD spokesperson said on that occasion the driver was “lucky to escape with his life”, adding “we cannot allow any more drivers to be put at risk like this”.

The union concluded: “We won‘t stop until Bolt listens to drivers and improves safety protections for drivers.”

Bolt have been contacted for comment.