‘SPIT KITS’ could be an option for all taxi and private hire vehicle drivers, says DfT minister
- Perry Richardson
- 57 minutes ago
- 2 min read
‘Spit kits’ could be an option for taxi and private hire vehicles drivers to help deter assaults, says DfT minister
Labour MP James Asser has asked the Government whether it will extend access to DNA spit kits for licensed taxi and private hire drivers in England. The West Ham and Beckton representative raised the issue in a written question to the Secretary of State for Transport.
In response, Department for Transport (DfT) Minister Simon Lightwood said violence against transport workers is unacceptable and must be taken seriously. He pointed to the Department for Transport’s current best practice guidance, which outlines the need for local licensing authorities to assess risks to drivers.
Lightwood suggested that this assessment could include the provision of spit kits as a way to deter assaults. These kits are used to collect DNA evidence in the event of a spitting incident, supporting criminal investigations.
Although the Department has not committed to rolling them out nationally, the guidance allows for local authorities to consider such measures.
The matter now lies with licensing authorities to interpret and act upon the guidance based on local risk assessments.
Lightwood said: “Violence against transport workers is unacceptable and something I take very seriously. That is why my Department's best practice guidance to taxi and private hire vehicle licensing authorities in England sets out my expectations for the sector including assessing risks to private hire vehicle drivers whilst they are at work. This could include the provision of 'spit kits' to help deter such repellent behaviour.”
What are spit kits and how do they work?
Spit kits are forensic tools used to collect DNA evidence when someone is spat at. They are commonly used by police and emergency services, and are increasingly being considered for use in the taxi and private hire industry to support criminal investigations and deter assaults.
The kits typically contain a sterile swab, gloves, a collection tube or container, and documentation for recording the incident. Some kits may also include wipes or protective equipment.
When a spitting incident occurs, the person involved can use the swab to collect the saliva sample from the affected area. This sample is then sealed in the container and sent to a forensic lab for DNA analysis. The collected DNA can be matched against national databases to identify suspects.
