Lone Working Taxi Drivers

In London there are around 23,000 licensed Hackney Cab drivers. They are all mobile workers who pick up members of the public and drive them to their desired destination. In most cases a fee is paid directly to the driver on completion of the journey. Many drivers also undertake ‘account’ work, when a company or a frequent user sets up an account with the taxi firm and pays a monthly bill rather than paying for each individual journey.

As a solitary worker there are many key risks involved in being a taxi driver. They can be prone to robbery due to the fact that they are often carrying large amounts of cash and high value mobile phones such as the Blackberry or iPhone, however the most common risk to the taxi driver is verbal and physical assault.

Drunk and aggressive customers can become abusive and sometimes violent and it is important that the driver keeps in contact via the radio communicator with their station or base at all times.

Good customer service skills can prove essential in preventing unwanted situations. The driver should always try to be polite and act in a calm and non-confrontational manner.

Any driver has the right to refuse a job if they feel uncomfortable. The drivers should never give out any personal information and, where possible, they should always try to avoid leaving the taxi as this can increase their risk level.

Taxi firms develop and maintain good relationships with crime prevention officers. The officers train the drivers, provide information and alert them to potentially violent people or locations. Drivers will also inform the officers of any local incidents they witness whilst on duty.

A job as a taxi driver can be very rewarding but it can also be extremely dangerous due to its nature as a lone worker position. Drivers must always remember that although their customers may seem friendly they are still strangers.