Enforce cab licensing rules to improve the safety of London’s travelling public says GMB union

The GMB have called for the stricter enforcement of licensing standards to protect the public after a rise in sexual offences in London.

According to the union there is now an urgent need for the London Mayor to order Transport for London (TfL) to examine all of these cases, to establish the extent to which the failure to enforce standards has contributed to these offences.

GMB, the union for private hire drivers, commented on the report that a total of 294 sexual offences by taxi and private hire drivers in London were recorded by police in 2018.

Steve Garelick, GMB Regional Officer for the private hire industry, said: “These figures are serious and abhorrent and horrifyingly they are on the rise.

“It is the responsibility of licencing authorities to make sure anyone found guilty of these awful crimes can never operate a private hire vehicle again.

“These figures above all are a clear reminder why has GMB campaigned for strict licensing standards and enforcement of them for cab operators, cars and drivers to protect the travelling public. Enforcement of these standards are the only way to protect the public. 

“There is now an urgent need for the Mayor to order TfL to examine all of these cases to establish the extent to which the failure to enforce standards has contributed to these offences.

“Action has to be taken against those responsible, including cab operators,  not following and enforcing licensing standards. 

“GMB remains committed to engaging with licensing authorities and user groups as well as members to achieve safety for all."

Image credit: GMB