Posted on the 31st March 2026 in PHTM News

FEMALE LED MILTON KEYNES FIRM AIMS FOR EXPANSION TO TACKLE SAFETY CONCERNS

A Milton Keynes taxi service that exclusively employs female drivers is planning to expand into Northampton, Bedford, and Oxford to provide a safer travel option for passengers.

Women’s Wheelz Taxis was launched in December by former driving instructors Sharon Gorham and Chelsea Booth after they heard "horror stories" regarding women’s experiences with local transport.

The company currently operates with three drivers and is frequently used by schoolchildren, hospital patients, and people with disabilities.

Co-founder Sharon Gorham explained that she was inspired to act after her own "nervous" experience with a male driver who was "racing into the roundabouts" and singing love songs. She believes that by speaking out, "people are going to realise that actually there is a little bit of a problem out there and maybe it's time things changed."

The venture comes amid growing concerns over passenger safety. In 2024, Councillor Andy Carr noted that Milton Keynes City Council received a "high proportion" of complaints regarding "inappropriate behaviour or language by taxi drivers towards female passengers."

The council encouraged all taxi drivers in the city to become White Ribbon, external ambassadors, and to display White Ribbon stickers in their vehicles as a show of solidarity.

Jane Whild of the Fawcett Society called the new service "great news" in the face of the "urgent problem" of violence against women and girls.

While the service focuses on female safety, co-founder Chelsea Booth noted that they also welcome male passengers who are unhappy with general driving standards. "I've had men comment to me about the driving standards of some of the taxis that they've been in and that they would prefer to be driven by us," she said.

This sentiment was echoed by Vicky West, who runs a similar firm in Dorset, stating she is "all for the female drivers getting their businesses up and running and giving ladies a chance to feel safer."

In response to safety concerns, Milton Keynes City Council stated they are "proud" to be a White Ribbon accredited organisation "due to our actions tackling violence against women and girls".

A spokesperson added that "drivers licensed in Milton Keynes must meet strict standards and we run regular undercover operations to monitor compliance."

Despite the demand, the founders admitted that finding enough new female drivers remains one of their biggest challenges as they look to grow.


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