Taxi drivers play critical role in safeguarding vulnerable passengers, says Avon and Somerset Police Taxi Cop
- Perry Richardson
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
Taxi drivers continue to play a vital role in supporting vulnerable individuals during emergency situations, according to Avon and Somerset Police’s PC Patrick Quinton, known within the trade as the region’s ‘Taxi Cop’.
Across just one weekend, the force received 46 calls to 999 and 101 which referenced taxis or private hire vehicles. While most of the reports did not directly involve the trade, a notable number highlighted how taxis are frequently used by those in distress or escaping crisis situations.
PC Quinton said: “Most (33) didn’t directly involve taxis or private hire but the majority of those did involve people in crisis and distress getting a licensed vehicle, whether that be to escape domestic violence, to go to hospital or had been reported as missing persons.
“As lots of you have found out over the years, you never know what the person getting into your vehicle is going through, or escaping. And it’s why good quality safeguarding training is so important.”
Three drivers contacted police over the weekend due to concerns about the welfare of passengers in their vehicles. These proactive calls, according to Quinton, show the important safeguarding role that licensed drivers can take on, especially during the night-time economy.
Among the weekend’s incidents, there was one road traffic collision involving a licensed vehicle, one report of a driver allegedly stealing a mobile phone, and three cases of drivers being subject to violence or abuse. One of those was reportedly racially motivated.
The police also received one complaint of a driver being abusive towards a passenger, and three public reports concerning poor driving standards from licensed drivers.
“It was a very busy two nights for all of us, and thankfully there were no serious injuries or incidents that I’m aware of,” added PC Quinton.
The update brings into focus the challenges and responsibilities faced by licensed drivers working across the taxi and private hire sectors. Often the first point of contact for vulnerable individuals late at night, drivers are expected to remain alert to safeguarding issues and make quick decisions when concerned for passenger welfare.
The information shared by Avon and Somerset Police comes at a time of increased scrutiny around licensing standards and driver conduct across the UK. Calls continue from within the industry for clearer national standards on safeguarding, driver training and data sharing between police and licensing teams.
