Over 50% of Taxi and Private Hire Drivers in the North of England Have Had Passengers Taking Drugs in Their Cab
The taxi and private hire industry is no stranger to challenging situations, but the results of the 2024 National Taxi and Private Hire Driver Survey reveal the unsettling reality many drivers face daily.
While much progress has been made to safeguard passengers in recent years, the findings reveal that drivers face a troubling mix of aggression, substance abuse, and prejudice almost daily.
Insights from the Survey:
The survey asked over 1,400 drivers about their experiences with passenger behaviour. The responses paint a concerning picture:
Passengers vomiting: A staggering 46.3% of drivers have dealt with this - rising to over 60% in Wales and Northern Ireland.
Drug use: More than 1 in 4 drivers (28.4%) have observed passengers taking drugs, with more than 50% of drivers in Yorkshire & the Humber and the North West & Cumbria experiencing this behaviour.
Verbal and physical abuse: Over half (52.8%) of drivers have been subjected to aggressive or offensive language. While a large proportion have also been on the receiving end of physical violence (40.9%)
Racism: Unsuprising but still shocking is that 40.5% of drivers have experienced racism, a figure that jumps to 51.1% for ethnic minority drivers.
These incidents are clearly not isolated. They reflect a broader culture where drivers are mistreated, often due to drugs and alcohol. While not all these experiences can be directly attributed to drug or alcohol abuse, the vast majority of people would never dream of behaving in such a way sober.
For many drivers, these behaviors take a serious toll—not just financially but emotionally. Cleaning fees, verbal aggression, and physical threats create a toxic work environment that no one should have to endure.
It’s no surprise that the vast majority of drivers (88.5%) feel that more needs to be done to safeguard them. Whether through mandatory CCTV, panic alarms, better police collaboration, or stricter enforcement against abusive passengers, something must change to ensure that those behind the wheel feel as safe as those in the back seat.
Download the full 2024 National Taxi and Private Hire Driver Survey to explore the data in detail and be part of the conversation shaping the future of the industry or paste the link below into your browser:
👉 https://www.taxiplus.co.uk/national-taxi-and-private-hire-driver-survey-download