Warwick Student Union’s anger at taxi drivers who refuse journeys to students

The union recently undertook a study following a series of reports that students were being refused taxi journeys - the practice of which is illegal.

Of the 492 students who responded to the survey, 59 per cent said they had been refused with half of them saying this had taken place in Leamington.

This often leaves them to walk home in the early hours of the morning.

Rob Ankcorn, the sabbatical officer leading the campaign, said: “These shocking results reveal that some taxis are regularly breaking the law. By refusing short journeys, taxis are putting young people in danger.

“This is not just a problem for our students, but for young people in general.

“While we appreciate that not all taxi companies are to be tarnished with the same brush, we are working closely with councils and local politicians to stamp out this unacceptable behaviour.”

Marianne Rolfe, the regulatory manager for Warwick District Council, has said the authority is extremely concerned about the results of the survey and does not condone the “unfair practices” described.

She said when such behaviour is reported to the council it is fully investigated and the appropriate action is taken.

She added: “We have created a Driver and Operator Forum where the representatives of the regulatory section, the police, taxi trade and the public are working together to improve standards. We’re working together to ensure that these kinds of practises do not take place.”