North Herts Council has stepped up action to protect women and girls using taxis at night, following a festive safeguarding operation at Hitchin Railway Station.

Licensing and Community Safety officers, supported by community volunteers, carried out checks on Wednesday, December 10, focusing on whether taxi drivers were complying with their licence conditions during busy evening hours.

As part of the operation, a lone female volunteer – representing a potentially vulnerable passenger – approached taxis at the rank between 7pm and 9pm, requesting a short journey within the minimum fare distance. Under licence conditions, taxi drivers are required to accept these fares, even if longer journeys may be more profitable.

Of the seven taxis approached, two drivers refused the fare, potentially leaving the passenger to walk alone late at night and increasing the risk to her safety.

The licence details of the drivers involved were recorded, and North Herts Council has confirmed it will now take action. The drivers will be interviewed and could face enforcement measures including penalty points, suspension or revocation of their licence, or prosecution, depending on the outcome of the investigation.

Cllr Mick Debenham, Executive Member for Regulatory at North Herts Council, said: "Keeping people safe in our night-time economy is a top priority for North Herts Council. Taxi drivers have a clear responsibility under their licence conditions to accept short fares and refusing them can leave passengers vulnerable.

"This operation sends a clear message that safeguarding is non-negotiable, and we will take action against those who fail to comply."

The council says it will continue working with partners and the local community to tackle violence against women and girls, particularly during the festive period, and to ensure Hitchin's night-time economy is safe for everyone.

Residents can find out more about the council's work in this area via its Women and Girls Safety Charter.