Taxi driver ‘kept falling asleep’ on M5 to being locked in an Uber: Police reveal the varied nature of 18 calls involving cabs in one day
- Perry Richardson
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
Avon and Somerset Police recorded 18 calls mentioning taxis or private hire vehicles in a single Saturday, including reports involving vulnerable passengers, driver conduct and suspected county lines activity.
Taxi and private hire drivers contacted Avon and Somerset Police three times in one day to report concerns about passengers or members of the public, according to an analysis of calls made to the force.
PC Patrick Quinton, known as the Taxi Cop for Avon and Somerset Police, reviewed 999 and 101 calls received on Saturday which mentioned taxis or private hire vehicles.
The force recorded 18 relevant calls, although PC Quinton said six did not substantially involve the taxi trade. He also cautioned that the figures provide only a partial account because many crimes and incidents are now reported online.
Five calls concerned people experiencing a crisis who were using taxis, while one related to county lines or child sexual exploitation. Three calls came from drivers raising concerns about passengers or other people.
PC Quinton said: “It’s notable how often drivers come into contact with vulnerable people, and it shows how important safeguarding training is.”
The figures demonstrate the frontline safeguarding role frequently performed by licensed drivers, particularly during evening and weekend shifts. Drivers can encounter people affected by mental health emergencies, exploitation, intoxication, domestic abuse or other circumstances which may require police or welfare intervention.
Separate calls raised allegations about driver safety and conduct. One passenger travelling on the M5 contacted police because she was worried that her driver “kept falling asleep at the wheel”.
A passenger in Bristol also alleged that a driver stopped the journey, got out of the vehicle and removed his shirt to fight pedestrians. Another caller claimed that she and three children had been “locked in an Uber” following a dispute in which the driver alleged that the fare had not been paid.
The information released by PC Quinton describes initial reports rather than proven offences. It was not stated whether arrests were made, whether any drivers were licensed by councils within the Avon and Somerset area, or whether the incidents were referred to licensing authorities.
PC Quinton said he intended to review cases to establish whether further action was required. Depending on the evidence, that could include criminal investigation, safeguarding referrals or information being passed to the relevant taxi and private hire licensing authority.
