Violence against taxi drivers - addressing the problem

The scale of violence Dorothy Gunnett Gian Bajar Mohammed Arshad

Addressing the Problem

Disputes about fares often trigger arguments, which may escalate to violence. The report noted a "lack of awareness among the public about fare structures, changes in tariff and the boundaries beyond which the driver does not have to run on a meter." It recommended education of the public about the differences between taxis and private hire vehicles, fee structures, and the problem of violence against taxi drivers. It also recommended better cooperation between organisations to promote understanding of the issue, greater reporting amongst victims, effective practice, and the dissemination of safety guidance.

MP Brian Binley (Northampton South, Conservative) raised the issue of violence against taxi drivers in May of 2008. He noted that the estimated cost of investigating murders of taxi drivers – then numbering 49 – was £76 million. The total cost of all incidents was estimated at £168 million. That's in addition to the huge personal losses suffered by victims of violence, many of whom experience lasting physical and mental health consequences that are difficult to quantify. Taxi driver violence is serious, ongoing, and costly, both for victims and the country as a whole.

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