The safety of taxi and private hire drivers remains a focal point for UK transport policy, with the Department for Transport (DfT) recently reaffirming that tackling physical and verbal abuse against these workers is a clear priority. This statement was made in a formal written response to a parliamentary question, underscoring the government’s reliance on existing regulatory frameworks rather than introducing new national legislation.
Government Reaffirms Commitment to Taxi Driver Safety
Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood stated unequivocally that abuse against transport workers is “unacceptable,” responding to a question from MP James Naish. Naish had inquired specifically about protective measures for drivers in Nottinghamshire and across the country. Greenwood’s reply highlighted that while the day-to-day licensing of taxis and private hire vehicles is managed by local authorities, the DfT sets national best practice guidance that shapes their responsibilities.
Licensing Authorities’ Crime Reduction Duty
A cornerstone of the government’s approach is the expectation that local licensing authorities incorporate crime and disorder reduction into their statutory duties. The DfT’s best practice guidance is explicit: councils must consider how the licensing regime itself can be leveraged to enhance driver protection. This includes using their powers to set conditions on operators and drivers that aim to reduce risks, from fare disputes to late-night working hazards.
CCTV Guidance and Consultation
The minister also pointed to the Department’s statutory guidance, which recommends that licensing authorities consult on the possibility of mandating in-vehicle Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV). The DfT’s position is that CCTV can significantly enhance safety for both drivers and passengers. Consequently, any local decision to require CCTV must weigh the protective benefits for drivers against privacy considerations for all vehicle occupants, ensuring a balanced approach to policy-making.
Health and Safety Law for the Modern Workforce
Beyond licensing, Greenwood emphasized that health and safety legislation applies to businesses using taxi and private hire drivers, including those in the gig economy. The DfT’s guidance notes that these duties extend to workers in the same way they do to traditional employees. This is reinforced by Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidance on gig economy, agency, and temporary workers. Businesses subject to these duties must establish effective
Image Credit: www.taxi-point.co.uk
