Although bilking (making off without paying a fare) is a common occurrence for taxi drivers and private hire vehicle drivers, the level of crime experienced by drivers reflects the crime profile in the wider environment.

This is one conclusion of a new report, Research on the personal security issues for taxi and PHV drivers, published by the Department for Transport.

The study, commissioned in 2007, studied seven areas and conducted a literature review, which identified that many incidents are not reported to the police. Many police interviewees during the study were often aware that personal security issues are a problem for drivers in their area.

SCALE OF PROBLEM
The study found that drivers face a whole range of incidents, and the perception is that the problems are increasing. Women are increasingly causing problems for drivers, too. Offences can include violence, non-payment of fares, verbal and racist abuse.

Most incidents seem to happen at night, although some Asian drivers reported that the media’s attention on past events such as 11 September 2001 and the July 2005 terrorist attacks in London increased the risk of racist abuse. Problems most often happen in towns and cities, but also more frequently on route to the destination or at the end of a journey. Drivers are capable of identifying neighbourhoods were they feel less safe.

CAUSES OF INCIDENTS
Incidents can be caused by a number of factors, the research found. This can include the profile of the job, including lone working and plying for hire – particularly PHV drivers who do so illegally.

Disputes over fares and tariffs also trigger arguments, particularly as there is often a lack of awareness amongst the public about fare structures, changes in tariffs and the boundaries where meters do not have to be used.

Alcohol and drug misuse were also reported to be major factors behind many incidents, although drug misuse is harder for drivers to identify. The pressure to clear town centres at the end of a night means drivers are often told to take very drunk customers that they would rather refuse to convey.

A lack of respect for drivers, problems with the English language and ability to communicate clearly, wearing traditional Asian or other dress, and the type of vehicle used all have the potential to increase the risk of incidents.

REPORTING INCIDENTS
The research found that many incidents are unreported to the police who consequently are unaware of the scale of the problems. This is because of a lack of faith in the police investigative process; potential loss of income whilst reporting the crime; absence of witnesses; and familiarity with the offender and their families may lead to loss of future trade or to retaliation.

Whilst drivers were generally disappointed with the response of the courts, the Sentencing Guidelines Council set out some factors in March 2008 which covers attacks on victims providing a service to the public. An aggravating factor to be taken into account by sentencing courts is the ‘deliberate targeting of vulnerable victims and choosing isolated places for carrying out an attack’.

REDUCING RISKS
There are a number of ways to reduce the risks:

pre-paying fares, although some drivers reported this has the potential for triggering confrontation anyway

driver shields, but this can again have a detrimental effect

in-car CCTV surveillance, which has been shown to be effective although the take-up by the trade nationally has been slow, partly due to concerns about a slow police response and the cost of the equipment

radio link schemes

taxi marshals

raising public awareness, including zero tolerance campaigns

GUIDANCE
The report is accompanied by two short guidance documents for PHV and for taxi drivers.

Advice offered in the guidance covers:

taking bookings - making sure private hire controllers have enough information to be used later on if need be

cash management

vehicle adjustments – such as fitting screens, CCTV cameras or a convex mirror to give a wider view of the vehicle interior

carrying spare car keys, mobile phones, and an explanation of the fare structure to give to customers

The advice also suggests drivers should trust their instincts as they have the right to refuse passengers if they think they present a risk, and to only let them sit in the front of the car if the driver is happy for them to do so.

It suggests that communication is important and to be polite and pleasant to their passengers, and use eye contact to help establish a relationship with the passenger and gives them the message they could be identified later on.

The booklets also caution drivers against taking action into their own hands if they get threatened or a customer makes off without paying. It advises drivers to use their horns and lights to attract attention and to contact their control room or call 999 for help; unpaid fares and damage to their vehicles can be recovered through the small claims court.

MORE INFORMATION
The documents can be downloaded from http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/crime/taxiphv/ and are also available in the Institute library under Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles/Official Reports.

More on violence against drivers is contained in a US Department for Justice report, Robbery Against Taxi Drivers, in the Institute library under Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles/Official Reports.

Guidance from the Health and Safety Executive on preventing violence is available at http://www.hse.gov.uk/violence/hsl...ies/taxi.htm