CRIMINAL RUNNERS: How taxi drivers deal with BILKING and why it remains a problem for cabbies across the UK

Bilking continues to be a problem for licensed taxi drivers across the UK. It’s a term familiar across various industries and refers to customers who intentionally avoid paying for goods or services. In the taxi trade, this means passengers leaving the vehicle without settling the fare.

While most passengers pay as expected, a small number choose to make off without payment. For taxi drivers, this results not just in financial loss, but wasted time and fuel, and can also raise personal safety concerns.

Drivers affected by fare dodging are not only left out of pocket for the trip, but also miss out on legitimate work opportunities during the time spent on the unpaid journey. The risk of being bilked can also deter drivers from accepting certain jobs or operating in particular areas.

In many cases, bilking involves passengers who never intended to pay the fare in the first place. In some instances, individuals may run off as soon as the vehicle stops. Others may use tactics like claiming they will get money from a cash machine or saying a friend will pay on arrival. In more organised cases, someone else might book the taxi with no intention of covering the cost.

Is fare evasion a criminal offence?

Whether bilking is treated as a criminal matter depends on the actions and intentions of the passenger. PC Patrick Quinton, a police officer who focuses on taxi and private hire enforcement in Bristol and South Gloucestershire, explains that the law requires dishonesty and intent to avoid payment for it to be treated as a criminal offence.

Three main legal provisions can apply in bilking incidents:

• Theft Act 1978, Section 3: This applies when someone knowingly avoids paying for a service that requires immediate payment, such as a taxi fare.

• Fraud Act 2006, Section 2: Covers false representations, such as telling the driver they will withdraw cash or someone else will pay, when they never intend to do so.

• Fraud Act 2006, Section 11: Relates to obtaining services for themselves or others through dishonest means, with the intention that payment will not be made in full or at all.

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However, not all situations will lead to police action. Confusion over who is paying, a misunderstanding, or complaints about service quality are not necessarily criminal. The key issue is whether there is clear dishonesty and intent to avoid payment. Without those, it’s not a criminal offence.

Reporting incidents

Drivers are encouraged to report ALL incidents of bilking. If the incident is ongoing or the driver feels threatened, they should dial 999 immediately. For less urgent situations, drivers can contact the police through 101 or online reporting systems.

Reporting helps highlight repeat offenders and track patterns of criminal behaviour. Even if the police cannot pursue the case, data on bilking incidents can support broader enforcement and policy decisions.

Police response

When a report is received, the police will assess whether a crime has occurred. If no offence is found, they may provide the passenger’s details to the driver so a civil claim can be made.

Where there is evidence of dishonesty and the suspect is identified, several outcomes are possible. If the individual admits the offence and has no prior history, they may be issued a Conditional Caution, which still forms part of a criminal record. They may also be required to repay the fare.

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If the matter proceeds to court, and the person is found guilty, they may be fined or even face prison time. In a Magistrates’ Court, the maximum sentence is six months. At Crown Court, this can increase to up to two years.

What steps are being taken?

Some local authorities have in the past advised drivers to request payment in advance when a peak number of bilking reports are presented and particularly in areas where bilking is more common. North East Lincolnshire Council recently took this approach, encouraging drivers to collect fares before starting the journey as just one example.

While taxi drivers are legally allowed to do this, it must be done within the bounds of licensing rules. Meters must still be used and any overpayment should be refunded. This approach may help reduce the number of non-payment cases, especially during night shifts or in areas with known problems.

There are also discussions within the industry about creating a “no ride list” similar to the aviation industry’s “no fly list”. This would involve recording the details of known fare evaders and sharing that information within the trade to prevent repeat offences.

In many cities, drivers use informal channels like WhatsApp groups and local forums to alert others about recent bilking incidents. While these are not official systems, they do help drivers remain aware and vigilant.

Reducing the risks

Drivers are advised to take steps to reduce the likelihood of bilking. Where possible, they should offer card payments and request a surety for the fare, such as a mobile phone or form of ID. If an issue arises, recording the incident using a phone or dashcam can be helpful, particularly if it captures the passenger confirming the amount owed.

It’s also important that drivers prioritise their own safety. Confronting or chasing a fare dodger could lead to more serious outcomes. While a citizen’s arrest is allowed under certain conditions, it can carry risks for the driver and may not be appropriate for low-value losses.

Clear communication with passengers, good record-keeping and knowing how to report incidents all play a role in limiting the damage caused by bilking.

Although it remains a frustrating part of the job, bilking incidents are relatively rare. Most passengers pay without issue, and enforcement teams, councils and trade organisations are working to ensure drivers have the tools they need to manage and report fare evasion when it does occur.