Private hire drivers are uniquely placed to spot safeguarding concerns. You travel through every part of the city, day and night, picking up children, lone passengers, vulnerable adults and groups behaving in ways that nobody else witnesses. TfL's SERU assessment includes safeguarding for exactly this reason.
Who safeguarding protects
- Children under 18.
- Vulnerable adults — those who may be unable to protect themselves from abuse, neglect or exploitation.
- Anyone in immediate danger of harm.
Warning signs to watch for
Child sexual exploitation: a child travelling with much older adults who control the conversation, sudden destination changes, presents or alcohol the child can't account for.
County lines: a young person travelling long distances alone with cash, multiple phones, or unusual reluctance to share their destination.
Trafficking: passengers with no luggage, no documents, who appear controlled by another person and don't speak English confidently.
Spiking: a passenger who deteriorated rapidly during a night out, struggling to stay conscious or to give an address.
How to act
- If anyone is in immediate danger, call 999.
- For non-urgent concerns, call 101 or report via your operator's safeguarding channel.
- Note the date, time, route, vehicle and as much detail about the people involved as you can recall — but never confront an adult about a child.
- Keep information confidential, sharing only with police and your operator.
Drivers as part of the wider system
TfL works with the Met Police, local authorities and operators on safeguarding referrals. Your report could be the missing piece in an ongoing investigation — even if you never hear what happened next.
What not to do
Don't post anything on social media. Don't try to investigate yourself. Don't pressure a vulnerable passenger to share more than they want to. Your role is to notice, ensure immediate safety, and refer.
Practise the scenarios
Take the safeguarding awareness practice test. Pair with passenger safety & driver conduct and SERU. Related reading: SERU assessment guide.
Disclaimer: UK Test Hub is independent and not affiliated with TfL or any safeguarding agency. In an emergency call 999.
