Govan Law Centre (GLC) has joined with the Glasgow Times newspaper to call for greater protection for women using public taxis to get home at night.
GLC have asked Glasgow City Council to reconsider allowing a women-only taxi firm to be licensed while a woman who was sexually assaulted by a taxi driver spoke to the newspaper about why they think one should be allowed.
The Glasgow Times reported on a horrific attack in relation to a woman using a private hire taxi last year in the city. Police enquiries are still ongoing in relation to this serious sexual assault.
Lorna Walker, a senior solicitor at Govan Law Centre, pointed to the risks women face, including “male violence against women” and the “limited ability for women to leave or to choose an alternative service” while in an enclosed space. She asked if the council’s policy has changed in light of the “statistical increase in domestic abuse and rape cases across Glasgow” and the recent UK Supreme Court case in For Women Scotland.
A council spokesperson confirmed they have responded to GLC, seeking more details, and stated: “All applications for licences are determined on the merits of an individual case and within the context of the legislation and policies that regulate this area of activity.”
The Glasgow Times reported that Scottish Government figures show reports of rape and attempted rape in Glasgow has gone up from 243 incidents in 2015 to 494 incidents in 2024/ 2025 showing a 103% rise.
The Scottish increase for the same period is 60%. In the same period, reports of sexual assault have gone up from 619 to 800. British Transport Police meanwhile have also reported an increase in incidents of Violence and Intimidation Against Women and Girls (VIAWG).
Between January 1 and July 31 2024, there were 47 incidents in Glasgow, while for the same period this year there have been 50 incidents.
