North Herts Council runs lone female night-time mystery shopper taxi operation
- Perry Richardson
- 4 hours ago
- 1 min read
North Herts Council has carried out a targeted night-time safeguarding operation at Hitchin Railway Station to assess how licensed taxi drivers respond to potentially vulnerable female passengers during evening hours.
The operation took place on Wednesday 10 December and was led by the council’s Licensing and Community Safety teams, supported by community volunteers. It formed part of wider efforts to reduce risks to women and girls using taxis as part of the local night-time economy.
During the checks, a lone female volunteer approached taxis waiting at the station rank between 7pm and 9pm and requested a short journey within the minimum fare distance. The scenario was designed to reflect a common safeguarding concern, where drivers may be reluctant to accept low value trips late at night.
Of seven taxis approached between 7pm and 9pm, all accepted the fare, but as a result of the operation, two drivers have received additional guidance on safeguarding and how to support vulnerable passengers.
Festive operation tests driver compliance with licence conditions and treatment of vulnerable passengers
This proactive approach helps ensure drivers understand their responsibilities and reinforces the importance of passenger safety in the night-time economy.
Cllr Mick Debenham, Executive Member for Regulatory, said: “Keeping people safe in our night-time economy is a top priority for North Herts Council. Taxi drivers have a clear responsibility under their licence conditions to accept short fares and refusing them can leave passengers vulnerable.
“This operation sends a clear message that safeguarding is non-negotiable, and we will take action against those who fail to comply.”
