
With the 2026 Six Nations in full swing, local authorities are reminding rugby fans that there is "no excuse for abuse" when catching a taxi ride home.
Caerphilly CB Council, Gwent Police, and local taxi firms have teamed up to ensure matchdays remain safe for both passengers and the drivers working hard to get them home.
The initiative comes in response to a worrying rise in reports of passenger misconduct and verbal attacks.
To help keep the public safe, drivers across the county have recently undergone Safeguarding Refresher training covering key topics including child and adult safeguarding, domestic abuse, and exploitation.
However, officials stress that safety is a two-way street. "Taxi drivers play a vital role in keeping people safe, especially during busy events like the Six Nations," said Cllr Philippa Leonard.
"There is simply no excuse for abuse, and we are proud to support drivers through training and campaigns that promote respect, safety, and shared responsibility."
Long-time drivers Azad Ismail and Des Daly of Castell Cars noted that while most fans are well-behaved, the pressure of a big matchday can cause tension.
They are asking passengers to be ready on time and have their payment ready to keep things moving smoothly.
"Simple things like being ready on time, treating drivers with respect, and planning journeys in advance make a huge difference and help us get everyone home safely," the pair explained.
Authorities are advising fans to book in advance and remain patient, as heavy traffic is expected throughout the tournament.
Drivers have been encouraged to report any incidents of abuse to the police to ensure the celebrations stay memorable for the right reasons.

Over the weekend of February 7 and 8, carpet tacks were deliberately scattered across taxi bays at the bus station, causing a string of punctures for local firms.

The partnership provides tens of thousands of drivers across 180 major cities including the UK and Ireland, with access to discounted public charging and a simplified system for finding power points.

Mohammad Khan says the constant battle with potholes is making his job nearly impossible, explaining: "You try to avoid one pothole, you'll end up in another one and it's damaging the car. "

The decision follows a petition from drivers who asked for a 10 per cent increase to the daytime rate and a rise in the minimum fare from £6 to £7. Nighttime rates and bank holiday prices will remain the same.

The investigation centres on an evening confrontation on Matilda Street that took place around 7:15 pm on Sunday, January 18.

Rashid Kwabena Boachie, 44, is now on trial facing charges of rape, attempted rape, and sexual assault.

Derek Andrew Simpson faced Carlisle Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 9 February, where he pleaded not guilty to a single charge of unlawfully and maliciously causing grievous bodily harm.

A Bolton private hire driver has had his licence suspended for eight weeks after council officials ruled he was not a "fit and proper person to hold a licence at this time."

Ceredigion County Council’s Licensing Committee is set to meet on 12 February, to discuss a proposal that could see the cost of travel rise significantly for the first time since 2022.

Fresh drainage surveys in Southampton City Centre, at a busy junction have sparked a backlash from traders and cabbies who say constant disruption is driving people away.

Kelvin Ndoro, 41, lured the victim into his car in Nottingham city centre in the early hours of the morning by offering her a lift home.

The initial phase will see 100 fully autonomous vehicles hit the roads, with plans to eventually expand the fleet to more than 1,000 taxis.

As major redevelopments such as the Avenues project and George Square upgrades move forward, the city's fleet of hackney drivers say the sheer volume of construction is strangling trade.

A Bradford private hire driver has criticised the city council after 100s of motorists fined for using bus lanes on Christmas and New Year’s Day - dates many believed were exempt from enforcement.

In October 2024, a private hire vehicle was detected speeding in Somerset. 

Nottingham firm Ideal Cars have asked PHTM to share their complaint they recently sent by email to the Access to Work team.

In the early hours of Sunday morning, 8 February, a couple of passengers approached a taxi waiting on the rank in Wigan town centre and asked for a price to be taken to a club in Bolton.

The Australian case, brought by Rideshare Drivers Network, mirrors arguments rejected by UK courts, where Uber mischaracterised its relationship with drivers in to deny their statutory rights.

The proposal is designed to modernise the licensing system, reduce duplication, and improve efficiency while maintaining all required safety, knowledge, and training standards.

At Bolton Council’s licensing committee on January 6, the council highlighted its strict stance on driver conduct, resulting in one suspension and one final warning for the operators involved.
