Request ID: FOI-2533-2324 Date published: 07 November 2023
You asked
How many allegations of sexual assault by Uber drivers did you receive in the entire year 2022. Of those, how many allegations of sexual assault were made against BAME Uber drivers.
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-2533-2324 Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on17 October 2023 asking for information about Private Hire journey-related sexual offences. Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act and our information access policy. I can confirm that we do hold the information you require. TfL and the police carry out regular checks checks/inspections of licensed operators, drivers, and vehicles to ensure compliance and identify and deal with any non-compliant or illegal activity. TfL and the police also carry out regular inspections at operator centres to ensure all licensed operators are adhering to their legal obligations. TfL works with the police to investigate reports, bring offenders to justice and push for the toughest penalties possible. Every single report is taken seriously and investigated by both TfL and the police. The police notify TfL of any allegations of crime made against a TfL licensed taxi or private hire driver.Any driver who poses a risk to public safety will have their licence suspended or revoked immediately. In accordance with the FOI Act, we are not obliged to supply the information you have requested, as it is subject to a statutory exemption to the right of access to information, under Section 22 of the FOI Act.In this instance the exemption has been applied as the information you have requested is intended for future publication. The figures for 2022 will be published in winter once the incident and prosecution data has been compiled and verified for publication. Taxi and Private Hire journey-related sexual offence data is published and available on our website using the following link: https://tfl.gov.uk/corporate/safety-and-security/security-on-the-network/tph-related-sexual-offences
This exemption is subject to a public interest test, which requires us to assess whether the public interest in applying the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosure. We recognise the need for openness and transparency by public authorities and the particular public interest in disclosure of this information. However, in this instance, it is considered that the public interest favours the publication of this information, in context and according to the pre-determined schedule, rather than in response to your request, to ensure the information is provided accurately and in an accessible manner.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal. Yours sincerely, Mary Abidakun FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
