NORTH HERTS DRIVERS FACE SANCTIONS AFTER REFUSING SHORT FARES DURING SAFETY STING

Two taxi drivers are facing potential licence revocation after failing a council-led "secret shopper" operation designed to protect women and girls in the night-time economy.

The enforcement exercise, conducted by North Herts Council on December 10 at Hitchin Railway Station, utilised a lone female operative who requested short journeys within the minimum fare distance.

Between 7pm and 9pm, two out of the seven drivers approached refused to take the passenger.

The council emphasised that refusing short fares is not merely a service issue but a significant safety concern.

Mick Debenham, Executive Member for Regulatory at North Herts Council, warned that such actions leave people at risk. "Keeping people safe in our night-time economy is a top priority for North Herts Council," Debenham stated.

"Taxi drivers have a clear responsibility under their licence conditions to accept short fares and refusing them can leave passengers vulnerable."

The council has documented the details of the non-compliant drivers and is currently weighing formal enforcement actions. Under local licensing regulations, the drivers could face:

Penalty points on their taxi licence
Suspension or revocation of their right to operate
Formal prosecution

The operation is part of a broader strategy to combat violence against women and girls (VAWG). As Debenham noted: "This operation sends a clear message that safeguarding is non-negotiable, and we will take action against those who fail to comply."

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