Posted on the 31st March 2026 in PHTM News

SUNDERLAND TAXI AND PRIVATE HIRE COMPLAINTS SOAR AS REPORTS TRIPLE

The number of complaints against taxi and private hire drivers in Sunderland has skyrocketed, according to the latest data from Sunderland City Council.

A new annual report for 2025 shows that driver-related complaints jumped from 62 in the previous year to 211.

Council officials noted that this "sharp increase" is largely due to stricter rules requiring operators to report every single grievance they receive.

Of these complaints, over half (114) focused on driving standards, including reports of "dangerous driving" and "parking inappropriately."

Other passengers raised concerns over driver behaviour (58), such as "not dropping off at requested destination" and "smoking in a licensed vehicle." 

Issues regarding money also surfaced (26), with complaints filed about drivers overcharging or refusing to accept card payments, while other complaints (12) were linked to issues such as “refusal of a fare” or “not accepting booking for a fare.” 

It wasn't just the drivers under fire; complaints about the vehicles themselves more than doubled to 56.

Many of these involved the "incorrect use of the taxi ranks" by either "out of town vehicles, members of the public or vehicles licensed by this council.”

Around 21 of the 48 complaints “related to vehicles licensed by other licensing authorities using Sunderland City Council designated taxi ranks or plying for hire”.

Other vehicle complaints were linked to “condition of bodywork, or signage on the vehicle” or a “taxi plate or livery [being] displayed inappropriately.”

The council has taken firm action in response to the surge. This included 102 complaints involving “verbal warnings, or advice” and 69 involving “written warnings, or severe written warnings.”

Most notably, six drivers had their licences revoked immediately by the council "on the grounds of public safety," while another driver lost their licence following a hearing with local councillors.


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