How Green Councillors helped Deliver Safer Taxis for Tonbridge and Malling: A Win for Passenger Safety & Accountability

At the Tonbridge and Malling Green Party, we believe in Working Hard, Not Just During Elections. Our councillors are constantly listening to residents, understanding their concerns, and pushing for meaningful change—even when the cameras aren’t rolling. A recent example of this commitment is the introduction of new taxi signage to improve passenger safety across the borough, a campaign spearheaded by Cllr Anna Cope.

A Problem Identified

Last March, Cllr Anna Cope experienced firsthand the challenges faced by passengers at Tonbridge Railway Station. Arriving late at night, she was refused a ride by a taxi driver who claimed her short-distance fare “wasn’t worth it.” Sadly, this wasn’t an isolated incident. Many residents, particularly women travelling alone at night, reported being stranded after drivers refused fares or demanded cash payments—despite council rules requiring card payment options.

Cllr Cope took these concerns to the council chamber, highlighting the risks faced by vulnerable passengers and the need for accountability. “Women should never have to choose between their safety and getting home,” she said.

A Solution Delivered

Thanks to Cllr Cope’s advocacy, Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council has introduced new signage for all licensed taxis and private hire vehicles. These signs, which will be prominently displayed on the sides of vehicles, feature a QR code that passengers can scan to report issues directly to the council. This innovative approach simplifies the reporting process and ensures that drivers can be easily identified, even if passengers don’t recall the vehicle’s licence plate number.

The new signage is part of a broader effort to enforce existing regulations, which require taxi drivers to accept the first fare that hails them, regardless of distance. It also addresses the issue of drivers refusing card payments—a problem that has left many passengers stranded.

A Commitment to Safety

Cllr Des Keers, the council’s cabinet member for Community Services, praised the initiative, stating, “We are committed to ensuring high-quality, safe taxi services across our borough. While most passengers don’t have issues, we want to make it easier for those who do to report them so we can investigate and take appropriate action.”

The new signs will be rolled out to over 500 registered vehicles starting in early November, making Tonbridge and Malling one of the first authorities in the country to adopt this approach.

A Green Party Win

This victory for passenger safety is a testament to the hard work and dedication of Green Party councillors like Anna Cope, who consistently go above and beyond to represent their constituents. Cllr Cope’s persistence in raising this issue—and her willingness to share her own experience—has made a tangible difference in the lives of residents.

“I’m thankful that TMBC has listened to women who have been put at risk,” Cllr Cope said. “The vast majority of taxi drivers don’t break the rules and are angry that their reputation is being tarnished by the few who do. This new signage is a step in the right direction, and I’ll continue to monitor the situation to ensure it delivers real change.”

Working Hard, Every Day

This initiative is just one example of how Green Party councillors are Working Hard, Not Just During Elections. From tackling the housing crisis to improving public transport and ensuring passenger safety, our councillors are committed to making Tonbridge and Malling a fairer, greener, and safer place for everyone.

If you have an issue you’d like addressed, don’t hesitate to contact your local councillors or email us. Together, we can build a community that works for all.

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