Exclusive: New survey launched which could make us safer in Lancashire
The "first of it's kind" study is asking people if they feel safe getting taxis.
We can exclusively reveal that a 'first of it's kind' survey is being launched in Lancashire which could make people safer.
People across the county are being asked to take part in the study which aims to find out whether people feel safe in taxis.
The new research is being carried out by The University of Central Lancashire, along with the Chorley Taxi Association, in what they say will be the first study of its kind in the UK.
It is hoped that the findings will help to inform the future practice and and regulations, and highlight any worrying trends.
Professor Joanne Westwood and Dr Helen Richardson Foster from UCLan aim explore people’s feelings regarding safety when using taxis in the red rose county.
Taxi users are being asked to undertake a short anonymous survey during November to help understand what concerns they have. Their answers will potentially shape future improvements.
Professor Westwood, from the University’s Connect Centre for International Research on Interpersonal Violence and Harm, said: “This survey is sense checking Lancashire’s taxi users.
“People use taxis for all sorts of reasons and sometimes it’s the only mode of transport available.
“Despite a range of safety features being in place, we’ve heard anecdotally that some people don’t feel safe being in taxis so we want to capture people’s thoughts and discover what makes them feel unsafe.
“Our aim is to get a clear picture and then see what can be done to help users and the taxi drivers.”
The academics were approached to undertake this research by Shaz Malik, from Chorley Taxi Association.
Shaz, who has owned Four Sixes’ Taxis in Chorley for seven years, commented: “Taxi drivers play a vital role in our local communities and are a key cog in our transport link. Our goal is to ensure that traveling by taxi is as safe as possible for both passengers and drivers.
“The safety standards in our local boroughs, like Chorley, exceed those in other areas. All vehicles are rigorously maintained to guarantee their roadworthiness, and comprehensive tests are conducted before a driver is issued a badge.
“Despite these precautions, we recognise that some individuals still have safety concerns. Therefore, as an industry, we are committed to taking all necessary steps to ensure that our customers feel secure and satisfied when utilising taxi services."
Participants need to be aged 18 and over and to have used a taxi within Lancashire in the past year.