The number of complaints made against taxi drivers on the Isle of Wight reached a five-year low in 2023.
Since 2018, 77 complaints were filed with the Isle of Wight council against taxi drivers for a range of reasons — including smoking behind the wheel, overcharging or aggressive, abusive or threatening behaviour.
Grievances against drivers have fallen
However, grievances against drivers have fallen in the past three years, with 16 lodged in 2021, 10 in 2022 and then six in 2023.
The number of complaints peaked in 2019 with 20 throughout the year and was more than double that in 2018 (nine).
Driver’s conduct most reported issue
The most reported issue was the driver’s conduct – attributing to just under a third of all complaints in the last five years, at 24.
The second highest was against the driver’s aggressive, abusive or threatening behaviour (16) followed by nine complaints about unlicensed drivers.
Other complaints
Five complaints had been made about dangerous driving and six about being overcharged.
Two had been made over smoking and six over public safety fears.
In 2020, one complaint was made about not adhering to Covid-19 rules.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
