Police review 52 weekend taxi-related incidents in first of a kind insight showing issues faced in the industry
- Perry Richardson
- 3 minutes ago
- 2 min read
A total of 52 reports referencing taxis and private hire vehicles were received by Avon and Somerset Police across a single weekend, offering new insight into the range of issues connected to the sector.
The figures were shared by PC Patrick Quinton, known locally as the force’s dedicated ‘Taxi Cop’, who for the first time reviewed every 999 and 101 call across a three-day period.
On the Friday, police recorded 18 calls involving taxis or PHVs. Three involved concerns for vulnerable passengers or members of the public. One driver was subjected to racial abuse, while another report flagged a suspected unlicensed vehicle. Two cases were linked to missing persons. One driver was accused of being abusive to passengers, and another PHV driver was assaulted, with damage caused to his vehicle. A suspect was arrested shortly after the incident.
The remaining nine reports were either not relevant to the trade or could not be disclosed.
Saturday saw a slight drop in volume with 12 calls referencing taxis. Two related to safeguarding concerns involving vulnerable persons. One report involved a suspected unlicensed driver, and another noted suspicious activity concerning a licensed vehicle. One driver sought assistance with a challenging passenger, and there was one incident of bilking. Six reports were marked as not relevant or unsuitable for disclosure.
By Sunday, incident numbers had risen to 22. One report once again involved a vulnerable passenger. There were two allegations of poor conduct by licensed drivers, although one was suspected to be a customer behaving aggressively. Two drivers reported hate crime incidents, and two others were assaulted while working. There were two road traffic collisions and one property-related dispute. Eleven other reports were logged but not relevant or unable to be shared.
In his follow-up summary, PC Quinton acknowledged it was the first time such data had been collated in this way, so no trend could yet be confirmed. However, he noted certain types of crime, particularly hate offences and fare evasion, were likely under-reported. He urged more drivers to report incidents directly to police to ensure support is available and repeat offenders can be identified.
PC Quinton added: “I was sad to see how many drivers were assaulted and needed help with difficult customers.” He encouraged drivers to send him a direct message after first contacting 999 or 101, as he may be able to respond quicker.
On a more positive note, the officer welcomed the number of calls related to safeguarding and vulnerable individuals, suggesting driver training was having a visible impact. He also referenced unreported data showing that many licensed vehicles were used to transport missing persons, injured individuals or those with mental health needs.
In closing, he said the weekend’s reports highlight that the public can trust that licensed taxis and PHVs remain a safe and vital part of the local transport network.
