Sexual abuse by taxi drivers shakes Denmark

Following three recent cases of assaults on women in taxis, calls are being made in Denmark to introduce stricter regulations. The incidents have shocked both the public and the industry, which sees an urgent need for measures to improve passenger safety. There are also similar cases and problems in Sweden.

In Denmark, there have been three serious incidents in recent weeks where female passengers have been assaulted by taxi drivers, reports tv2.dk and others.

In one of the cases, a woman was harassed when the taxi driver licked her fingers and groped her crotch. The incidents have caused consternation and anger within the taxi industry.

– We are very shocked that these cases have come to light, says Trine Wollenberg, deputy director of Dansk PersonTransport, the trade association for bus and taxi drivers in Denmark.

Copenhagen police tell Danish TV 2 that there is nothing to suggest a connection between the three Copenhagen cases.

The taxi industry in both Denmark and Sweden has long struggled with problems such as allegations of sexual abuse of passengers.

Call for central register

Industry organizations and companies are now calling for stricter rules and controls to prevent similar incidents in the future. Suggestions include more extensive background checks on drivers and increased monitoring while driving.

– If we had a central register where we could record cases involving drivers, and companies had access to that register, we could make sure the wrong people don’t get on the road, says Trine Wollenberg.

The move comes after a year in which five taxi drivers in different parts of Denmark were sentenced to prison for sexually assaulting female passengers, according to CopenhagenLIV.

“One case is one too many”

The public debate has escalated and there is a broad consensus that passenger safety must be a priority. “It is unacceptable that such incidents can happen”, said a representative of a large taxi company.

Several industry stakeholders also want to see more cooperation with the authorities to ensure that all drivers meet high safety standards.

The CEO of Dansk PersonTransport, Michael Nielsen, has previously told KøbenhavnLIV that he does not see the number of assaults as a sign of change in the industry.

– No, I don’t think it’s a sign of change in any way, but one case is one case too many, that’s for sure. But it’s not a sign of change – not at all, he says.