Advice for taxi drivers
Taxis are often used to transport children – both girls and boys – between hotels, pubs and other places where they are exploited.
Whether it is day or night time, look out for children and young people – both girls and boys:
- being collected and taken to hotels, B&Bs or parties at odd times
- being picked up from other cars
- who look withdrawn, uncomfortable or distressed in the company of adults
- who are in a vulnerable state due to drink or drugs, accompanied by adults
- with an adult who is expressing sexualised behaviour towards them
- who attempt to pay for fares by offering sex
- being dropped off at any location that causes you concern
- having their fares paid by adults who are not in the taxi
- going to accident and emergency or clinics with by someone who is not a parent
You should also look out for:
- men who regularly request taxi rides to and from a location, taking young people with them
- frequent suspicious activity in the same place
What to do
Make a note of your information and call the police on 101 – or 999 if you believe the young person could be in immediate danger. Say you are concerned about possible child sexual exploitation.
Don't hesitate – your information can help, no matter small it may seem.
Information to note includes:
- names
- locations and addresses
- descriptions of people
- car registration plates, make and models of vehicles
- descriptions of suspicious activity
If you refuse to take a young person as a passenger because they are too intoxicated, tell your controller so they can get assistance to them by informing the ambulance service, police, or door staff. You should record any refusals, including dates, addresses, phone numbers and descriptions. Always get a specific address from passengers.