Sunday 7 September:
Hello drivers, I've been looking at the incoming 999 & 101 reports from Saturday. Avon and Somerset Police took 12 reports which mentioned taxis and private hires.
Of those :
2 related to vulnerable persons in vehicles
1 about an unlicensed driver
1 suspious incident involving a licened vehicle
1 challenging passenger a driver needed help with
1 Bilking (runner)
The other 6 are not relevant or information I can't share.
Tuesday 9 September:
Good morning drivers, I have looked at all the incoming 101 & 999 reports to Avon and Somerset Police for Sunday. There were 22 reports made which mention taxis and private hire vehicles.
Of those :
1 related to a vulnerable person in a licensed vehicle
2 were allegations of poor conduct by a licensed driver (although I suspect one of those reports is actually the customer being abusive)
2 drivers reported Hate Crime incidents to us
1 driver needed help with a challenging customer
2 road traffic collisions reported.
2 drivers were assaulted
1 report of a property related issues
The other 11 reports were either not relevant or contain information I cannot share
MY THOUGHTS
This is the first time I have monitored incoming calls over a weekend, so I have no idea if it is high, low or representative.
I'm sure many of you will draw your own conclusions from the information I have sent out over the last three days, but here are my thoughts ...
I know from talking to drivers over the last 8 years that the numbers relating to hate crime and runners are probably a lot lower than they should be.
I know many drivers won't report these sort of incidents to the police, but they really should. Not only does it give the police a chance to identify repeat offenders, but it means I can go to my Bosses with figures to support the need for more police action on those issues.
Although not perfect, we are much better in Avon and Somerset in dealing with these offences than in the past.
I was sad to see how many drivers were assaulted and needed help with difficult customers.
Please could I remind you that once you have called 999 or 101, it's worth sending me a message too because if I am on duty I can often get to you quicker than my colleagues to help.
I was pleased to see the amount of calls about vulnerable persons in licensed vehicles because it tells me that your safeguarding training is effective and drivers know what to look out for and what to do.
Although I've not reported on it, I was surprised about the amount of jouneys made involving the transport of missing persons, injured people or those with mental health issues.
For me, it all goes to show that the public can have confidence that taxis and private hires are safe in our area, and our drivers do a great job in providing a service to our community.
Uber has publicly declared "strong support" for the proposed £5 daily congestion charge in Oxford, a move that comes just months after the ride-hailing giant launched in the city.
Organisers say between 200 and 250 drivers in Telford are protesting against new surcharges, which add an extra £1 to peak-time journeys for customers and result in higher fees for drivers.
The driver without taking proper legal advice had relied on Google, and entered a guilty plea by post, and was convicted.
A gang from Gateshead kidnapped Syrian refugee cabbie, and his passenger at gunpoint after blocking their taxi in the streets of Newcastle.
Phillip Dookie, 45, of Preston, appeared before a judge in Preston via a video link from prison on September 2. He faces charges of robbery, wounding, and possessing a knife.
Police have arrested two men and seized significant quantities of drugs and cash following an investigation into a man posing as a private hire vehicle driver in Merseyside.
The company plans to increase its fleet of electric cabs from 550 to 3,000 vehicles over the next three years under the Sherbet brand and offer independent drivers a new platform.
Uber stated it must generate and sustain higher revenue levels whilst reducing proportionate expenditure in forthcoming years "to achieve profitability in many of our largest markets".
The district council is considering a two-year extension, to 2030, for its zero or ultra-low emission taxi policy.
The decision to revoke Onyeka Ljeomah's licence was upheld by Derby Magistrates Court, which also awarded £1,065 in costs to Bolsover District Council.
The changes, which took effect on September 1, 2025, include a £1 surcharge on fares during peak school travel times, raising concerns for families and commuters.
Mahbubur Rahman, now 50, was found guilty of rape on 3 September, at Leicester Crown Court following a trial. He is scheduled to be sentenced at a later date.
Colchester City Council is inviting residents, drivers, and operators to share their views as part of a public consultation on the future of CCTV in Taxis (Hackney Carriages and Private Hire Vehicles).
The mayor is meeting with key government ministers on Thursday 4 September to advocate for the change as an amendment to the English Devolution Bill, moves through Parliament.
The money is specifically earmarked for installing on-street charge points in both urban and rural areas, with a focus on residents who lack off-street parking.
The new rules, aimed at increasing safety and encouraging alternative transport, are not currently enforceable because the council has not yet installed the necessary road signs.
Swindon has launched a multi-agency effort to enhance public safety at night, introducing taxi marshals, extra police patrols, and a new public spaces protection order.
The move comes after the council successfully rolled out CCTV in hackney carriages, funded by a £173,500 grant from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority.
According to police, the victim was approached by the three youths, who allegedly brandished weapons before stealing his wallet.
The association argues that the presence of these drivers, who are licensed outside the area, creates an "unfair and unsafe environment" for both local drivers and passengers.