Thames Valley Police have issued a stark warning to taxi and Uber drivers after an alarming incident where an intoxicated passenger was allegedly abandoned on the side of a dark motorway.
In a late-night post shared by TVP Roads Policing, officers shared a photo of a clearly vulnerable individual being attended to on the hard shoulder of the M4, near Junction 8/9, after being left by a taxi driver—reportedly due to the passenger being sick in the vehicle.
“Just a polite message to taxi (Uber!!) drivers,” reads the post, “If your intoxicated fare ends up being sick in the back of your vehicle, after a Saturday night in town, please don’t dump them on the side of the dark motorway!”
The image, which shows the individual sitting by the roadside with two officers present, has sparked strong reactions across social media, with many highlighting the serious dangers of abandoning someone in such a vulnerable state—especially on fast-moving, poorly lit roads like the M4. (M4 connects South Wales, passes through Bristol on to London)
Risks of Abandoning Passengers
Leaving any passenger on a motorway is not only inhumane, but also potentially criminal, particularly when the individual is intoxicated and at risk of harm. The police have not confirmed whether the driver responsible will face charges, but the post acts as a public reminder to all private hire and Uber drivers: duty of care doesn’t end when a fare becomes inconvenient.
Motorways are dangerous environments, especially at night. An abandoned passenger could easily be hit by a vehicle, fall victim to exposure, or become the subject of further emergency services intervention—wasting vital resources and time.
What Should Drivers Do?
While no one wants vomit in their vehicle, professional drivers are expected to act responsibly, especially when dealing with vulnerable passengers. If a customer becomes unwell:
- Safely stop in a public place or petrol station.
- Call 999 if the passenger is unresponsive or unsafe to be left alone.
- Contact the local police non-emergency line if unsure what to do.
- Avoid leaving anyone on the hard shoulder or motorway slip roads unless instructed to do so by emergency services.
Uber’s Policies on Sick Passengers
Uber’s policies typically allow drivers to charge a cleaning fee of up to £100 if a passenger causes a mess in the vehicle, such as vomiting. However, this policy does not excuse endangering the passenger’s life or abandoning them on a motorway.
Drivers are reminded that charging a cleaning fee does not come with the right to refuse care or transport—especially when the passenger is not in a fit state to arrange their own safety.
Conclusion
This incident highlights the critical responsibility taxi and Uber drivers carry, particularly during busy weekend nights when alcohol-related incidents are common. Thames Valley Police’s message is clear: safety must come before inconvenience.
As the summer season approaches and nightlife gets busier, private hire drivers across the UK are reminded to plan ahead, remain professional, and prioritise the welfare of all passengers—no matter the circumstances.
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