IoL President, James Button, has commented on a recent national press article suggesting an increase in the number of sexual attacks by taxi drivers.

The article was published in the Daily Star. According to the newspaper, “Cab drivers have been accused of hundreds of sexual attacks on passengers – and the figures are soaring.”

The article reported that last year, police conducted 151 rape inquiries and 353 sexual assault allegations which constituted a 4% increase.

The newspaper said “The true total is believed to be even higher as only 23 of the 44 police forces in England and Wales were able to provide definitive statistics.”

In response, James Button said: “Whilst the majority of hackney carriage and private-hire drivers are decent, hard-working people, as with every industry there are those who behave in unacceptable ways.

“People who use hackney carriages and private-hire vehicles are entitled to expect the highest standards of behaviour from the drivers, and all licensing authorities should strive to ensure that they impose the highest standards on those to whom they grant a licence.”