Young women spend £44 a month on taxis to feel safer

Young women and teenagers are paying out for taxis due to fears they will be harassed if they walk home or use public transport, according to new research.

- MAYA OPPENHEIM

The study, by Plan International UK, warns they are effectively facing a “safety tax” as it revealed around six in 10 young women take cabs home at least once a month due to anxiety about taking another route, especially at night.

Researchers at the global children and girls’ rights charity found young women aged between 14 and 21 are spending an average of £44 per month on taxis – or £528 a year – while 16 per cent reported paying more than £900 per year.

Jennifer, who did not provide her surname, told The Independent she uses taxis frequently when she is at home in London or at university. “I spend £100 to £150 a month on cabs,” the 20year-old added. “I generally take cabs after it gets dark. I have had quite a lot of bad experiences with harassment at university or in London.”