In recent years, the UK has experienced a taxi driver shortage, which has led to certain public safety concerns.
In this post we will take a look at the extent of the UK taxi driver shortage, and discuss some of its underlying causes. We will also explore some ways taxi fleet managers can attract and retain drivers.
At Anthony Jones, can help you understand and prepare for all possible risks your fleet might face with our dedicated taxi fleet insurance services. For more information, call our dedicated team on 0208 290 9099, or email CM@AnthonyJones.com.
How Bad Is The UK Taxi Driver Shortage?
Here are some of the latest figures relating to the the taxi driver shortage in the UK:
- In December 2023, the Department for Transport revealed that there are 14,000 fewer licensed Hackney carriage drivers in England compared to 2019.
- One study found there is a driver shortfall of up to 40% across the UK.
- A survey of 1,000 regular taxi users found that Londoners are waiting up to 40% longer for taxis than they were pre-pandemic.
- In Hull, around 20% of potential taxi customers have been told that there are no cars available, while others have been given waits of up to four hours.
- A survey by taxi technology company Autocab found that 72% of regular cab users have struggled to book a cab in recent years, 26% of whom were trying to attend a medical appointment at the time.
What’s Causing the UK Taxi Driver Shortage?
The Licensed Private Hire Car Association (LPHCA) estimated that around 160,000 cab drivers left the industry during the 2020-2021 lockdowns. In short, the UK is experiencing a taxi driver shortage because many of these drivers did not return to the industry once restrictions were lifted.
Some have suggested that restrictive recruitment and operation policies are making a bad situation even worse. Councils across the UK set unique entry requirements for taxis and drivers in their area. If these are too stringent, they could act as barriers to entry for any potential new drivers.
Public Safety Concerns Relating to the Driver Shortage
A shortage of taxi drivers can lead to a host of risks for both drivers, and for members of the public:
- An increased risk of sexual assault, as people struggle to get safe rides home at night.
- Missed hospital appointments, and delays to care and support for people with learning disabilities and other needs.
- Safety risks for taxi drivers – think of the fights that could break out when a group of people have all been waiting for hours, and only one taxi shows up…
How To Attract and Retain Drivers to Your Taxi Fleet
- Understand the requirements in your area. As we mentioned above, councils across the UK set unique requirements for how taxis and drivers operate in their area. Take the time to understand the rules and regulations in your area, and you’ll be less likely to encounter any barriers when recruiting and training your staff.
- Offer driver incentives. One survey revealed that driver rewards programmes are the most effective staff retention strategies. Offer cash bonuses, extra leave, or flexible work patterns as incentives for high performance, and you might find it easier to attract and retain drivers to your fleet.
- Aim to be as flexible as you can. Make life easy for your drivers. If you can afford to provide them with a vehicle, and to pay for all servicing, maintenance, and fuel, great. But also find a means of supporting any driver who wants to use their own vehicle.
Tailored Support For Taxi Fleets From Anthony Jones
At Anthony Jones, can help you understand and prepare for all possible risks your fleet might face with our dedicated taxi fleet insurance services. For more information, call our dedicated team on 0208 290 9099, or email CM@AnthonyJones.com.
