Taxi Driver Online

One of those articles

Not really much that can be said about the stats, because there's not much info provided beyond the headline figures.

Does the rise actually mean anything? Or maybe passengers have been encouraged to complain via a QR code, or something like that?

Who knows? Certainly doesn't seem to be much here other than the implication that the numbers simply mean drivers have been getting more naughty.

And there's the lengthy boilerplate response from the local HCA, which is about as predictable as the other side of the argument


Record number of taxi driver complaints made in Oxfordshire

https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/26422 ... fordshire/

In Oxford, 549 complaints were lodged to the city council in 2025/26, representing a 139 per cent rise from the 229 filed in 2021/22, analysis by this newspaper has found.

Frustrated passengers and fellow motorists have made 1,965 complaints against city taxi drivers since April 2021.

The data does not separate Hackney Carriages and private hire taxis; Oxford City Council did not provide this data when asked.

But Sajad Khan, of the City of Oxford Licensed Taxicab Association, said the city's black cabbies "remain trusted, regulated and professional" for passengers.

He said: "Our drivers take great pride in serving the public, complying with all licensing requirements, and ensuring that every passenger receives a safe, reliable, and accessible journey.

"Our drivers are highly professional individuals who are all licensed by Oxford City Council and operate under some of the strictest regulations within the passenger transport industry.

"The Hackney Carriage trade has always embraced its responsibility to uphold the highest standards of public safety, customer service, and accessibility.

"We work closely with Oxford City Council and fully comply with all rules, regulations, and licensing requirements placed upon us."

This includes vehicle standards, driver conduct, safeguarding, environmental initiatives and passenger safety measures.

"One of the key strengths of the Hackney Carriage fleet is its commitment to accessibility," he added.

"We are proud that our vehicles are 100 per cent wheelchair accessible, ensuring that all members of the community can travel with dignity, independence, and confidence.

"We believe the black cab industry is an essential public service and will continue to work positively with Oxford City Council and local stakeholders to support the transport needs of our city for many years to come."

In 2025/26, Oxford City Council, South Oxfordshire, Vale of White Horse and Cherwell received 714 complaints against taxis.

This was up from the year before at 601, with 705 recorded in 2023/24, 594 in 2022/23 and 368 in 2021/22.

No data was provided for West Oxfordshire.

Cherwell Council has said it has suspended or revoked 39 licences in the past five years.

South and Vale provided the nature of each complaint made against its private hire taxis.

Claims of speeding, abusive behaviour and unauthorised parking are a common theme against the private hire taxis.

One complaint was upheld by the Vale for a taxi driver who refused to let a Guide Dog in while another refused a wheelchair because his boot was full.

And in South Oxfordshire, a taxi driver had his licence revoked when he sexually assaulted a 12-year-old and another was shouting when he was parked in a Hackney Carriage space.

Nor, I suspect, does it separate the complaints made that didn't apply to Oxford-licensed vehicles.

Around half the complaints made to B&H council are for vehicles licensed elsewhere.

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IDFIMH