Safety Concerns Push Dundee Cabbies Away from Weekend Nights

A Dundee taxi driver has spoken out about the growing problem of passenger abuse, saying he is now too scared to work weekend nights due to repeated attacks. The issue has sparked concerns within the local taxi industry, prompting unions, Dundee City Council, and Police Scotland to launch an anti-abuse campaign aimed at protecting drivers.

Violence and Abuse on the Rise

Andy Sturrock, a 47-year-old taxi driver in Dundee, has endured numerous violent encounters while on the job. Having worked as a cabbie for 12 years, he reports being punched, spat at, verbally abused, and even hit over the head with a bottle. In one particularly alarming incident, a passenger pulled the handbrake while the vehicle was moving at 50 mph.

“The problem is getting worse with taxi drivers fair game for passengers – many of whom are under the influence of drink or drugs when they lash out at us,” said Andy, who now refuses to work Friday and Saturday nights for his safety.

Beyond physical abuse, fare evasion is also a frequent issue, with passengers often fleeing without paying for their rides. The situation is exacerbated by the increasing popularity of daytime drinking, leading to aggressive behavior even during daylight hours.

Campaign to Protect Taxi Drivers

In response to rising concerns, Unite the Union has launched the No Excuse for Abuse campaign, supported by Dundee City Council and Police Scotland. The initiative seeks to raise public awareness about the dangers faced by taxi drivers and push for stronger protective measures.

Union representative Chris Elder, himself a victim of an attempted robbery while driving, highlighted the severity of the situation:

“Many of our members regularly report attacks, abuse, and anti-social behavior. It’s pretty scary to be in a cab with someone who is lashing out at you.”

City Cabs 450450, a leading taxi firm in Dundee, has also spoken out about the issue. Peter Marr, a company representative, pointed to an alarming rise in verbal abuse, including racist insults, and reports of robbery attempts on drivers. The situation has deteriorated to the extent that some taxi services have stopped serving certain addresses due to safety concerns.

“Verbal abuse, including racist comments, happens all the time, and there are also reports of drivers being attacked by someone trying to rob them,” said Marr.

Growing Concerns and Calls for Action

Despite efforts to deter aggressive behavior, taxi drivers continue to face significant risks. Graeme Stephen, chairman of the Dundee Taxi Association, noted that even in-cab CCTV cameras have failed to deter violence. This raises concerns about the effectiveness of existing safety measures and the need for more robust enforcement.

The campaign seeks to prompt action from local authorities, including the introduction of harsher penalties for offenders and potential regulatory changes to enhance driver safety. Industry experts have also called for better collaboration between taxi firms, police, and city officials to ensure a safer working environment for drivers.

As the problem escalates, many taxi drivers are left wondering whether the risks of the job outweigh the benefits, with some reconsidering their long-term future in the industry. The success of the No Excuse for Abuse campaign will be crucial in determining whether Dundee's cabbies can continue their work without fear of violence and harassment.

In recent years, the safety of taxi drivers in the UK has become an increasingly pressing concern. Reports of abuse and violence against drivers have risen, prompting calls for enhanced protective measures and stricter regulations.

Despite these efforts, challenges persist. Even with the installation of in-cab CCTV cameras, incidents of violence and abuse continue, indicating the need for more robust enforcement and comprehensive safety strategies.

The UK government has recognized the need for improved safety in the taxi industry. The Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (Safeguarding and Road Safety) Act 2022) mandates licensing authorities in England to record certain taxi and private hire vehicle driver licensing decisions related to safeguarding or road safety concerns.

Additionally, the government has issued guidance for taxi drivers on staying safe, advising drivers to remain calm, be aware of their actions, and utilize available safety features such as CCTV systems. Drivers are also encouraged to drive to well-lit, busy areas if they feel threatened)

The increasing reports of abuse and violence against taxi drivers underscore the urgent need for effective measures to ensure their safety. Ongoing campaigns and legislative actions aim to address these challenges, but continued attention and action are essential to protect drivers and maintain the integrity of the taxi industry.