Union warns of student fears over taxi safety

Student Alexandra Ashby said she felt she had to be "cautious" when using taxis

A students union said it welcomed the idea of improved safety measures in taxis, as a consultation on new licensing rules continued.

Norwich City Council is looking at additional measures including the possibility of compulsory CCTV cameras in cars and more criminal record checks for drivers.

A survey by the University of East Anglia Students Union (UEASU) found 24% of those taking part said they felt "somewhat unsafe" or "very unsafe" using cabs in Norwich after dark.

Craig Dimbleby, chairman of the Norwich Black Cabs Association, said he supported the idea of new licensing rules, adding passenger safety was "paramount".

UEASU welfare officer Nathan Wyatt said students generally felt safe in Norwich, but were concerned about walking alone and using taxis at night

Nathan Wyatt, UEASU welfare officer, said the case of a minicab driver who sexually assaulted three women last year was still fresh in students' minds.

"There was a really horrible incident in Norwich and that scared a lot of people," he said.

Mr Wyatt, who revealed 73 students completed its survey, believed local taxis were "regulated quite well, but equally I think there are safety measures that could be put in place to protect students and the drivers".

Craig Dimbleby, chairman of the Norwich Black Cabs Association, said safety was "paramount"

Alexandra Ashby said whenever she got into a cab she was "vigilant and aware of a possible threat".

The 23-year-old student said she had never experienced "anything horrific" in a taxi but remained cautious when using them.

"If there are things like extra training, more background checks and there's camera footage evidence – this is going to make me and lots of other women feel more comfortable," she said.

Mr Dimbleby said his association had been calling for stricter licensing rules for some time, and said safety was "paramount".

"There's no-one more important than the public," he said.

Suzi Heybourne of The Magdalene Group said it was providing training to drivers to help them intervene if they saw women being harassed

The Magdalene Group, which campaigns against sexual violence, said it was already working with some minicab firms in Norwich to provide "bystander training".

The charity's chief executive officer, Suzi Heybourne, said the training would help drivers to feel "more equipped" to step in, if they saw a woman being harassed.

"The more people that are aware of how to be active bystanders and break down any kind of harassment, is a positive thing for women's safety," said Ms Heybourne.

Norwich City Council said its consultation on licencing rules would continue until 16 March.

Matthew Packer, the council's cabinet member for regulatory services, added: "The consultation aims to bring existing regulations up to date with latest guidance from the Department for Transport."