Posted on the 16th March 2026 in PHTM News

SOUTHEND REVOKES LICENCES OF SIX CABBIES TO PROTECT PASSENGER SAFETY

Southend Council has revoked the licences of six taxi drivers over the last two years after deciding they were no longer "fit and proper" to serve the public.

While none of the drivers faced criminal prosecution between 2022 and 2024, officials confirmed that each individual failed to meet the city’s strict safety criteria.

The crackdown is part of a broader effort to maintain the "highest possible standards" for local transport.

Martin Terry, the councillor responsible for community safety, emphasised that rigorous background checks are essential to prevent high-risk individuals from getting behind the wheel. 

“You could have someone driving who is on the sexual offenders register,” Mr. Terry warned. “There are all those things to consider.”

A major focus of the council’s policy is the protection of vulnerable passengers late at night. 

“The safety of women and girls is particularly important in a taxi or private hire scenario,” Mr. Terry stated, noting that the council will not compromise on the quality of its drivers.

This commitment to high standards may have influenced the recent departure of Uber from the city.

The ride-hailing giant surrendered its licence shortly after being granted permission to operate, following the council's insistence that the firm follow the same safety and data rules as local drivers.

Mr. Terry suggested the firm’s exit was telling, remarking: “One can only draw conclusions - without casting aspersions - that it’s our high standards that caused them to back out.”

While the council admitted disappointment that Uber's exit might leave people waiting longer for rides at night, they remains firm that any operator in the city must play by the same rules. 

“If they come into the city, it has to be on a level playing field with our drivers,” Mr. Terry concluded.


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