Taxi drivers say safety fears are growing at the Waterfront Bus Station
Taxi drivers in Chatham have raised serious safety concerns after reporting repeated incidents of youths on bicycles targeting their vehicles at the Waterfront Bus Station.
Drivers say groups of teenagers have been jumping on bonnets and blocking vehicles from moving off safely, creating dangerous conditions for both passengers and road users.
One taxi driver was reportedly injured and taken to hospital, while others have seen their cars damaged in the spate of incidents.
Drivers speak out
Nigel Jackson, chairman of the Medway Licensed Taxi Drivers Association (MLTDA), described the disorder as “very disturbing” and said members were now considering a boycott of the town centre.
He told KentOnline:
“I have been made aware of four incidents, and the police have been informed. Let’s hope they will be reviewing CCTV and these feral young kids will be brought to account.”
Mr Jackson added that taxi drivers already face verbal and racial abuse, along with threats of physical violence, simply for carrying out their work.
“They are just doing their job. They have a duty of care to our customers to get them safely from A to B. If their vehicle is damaged, they are out of action — and this is their livelihood.”
Police response
Kent Police confirmed officers were called to the Waterfront Bus Station shortly after 7pm on Monday 22 September 2025 after reports that a group of teenagers were behaving antisocially and obstructing taxis and buses.
Two drivers were allegedly assaulted, and a dispersal order was put in place.
On Tuesday, police patrols directed several young people to leave the area. The following day, a 12-year-old boy was arrested in Railway Street for breaching the order. He has since been charged and bailed to appear before Medway Youth Court on 9 October 2025.
Fear for livelihoods
Taxi drivers say the problem is not only a threat to their safety, but also to their financial stability. A damaged vehicle can leave a driver unable to work, causing loss of income and reducing taxi availability for passengers.
The MLTDA is calling for CCTV to be reviewed and for continued police patrols in the area to prevent further disruption.
Public appeal
Police are urging anyone with information, including witnesses or dashcam footage, to contact Kent Police on 01634 792209 quoting 46/165808/25. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers.
Sources
Thanks for visiting DM News! If you’ve got a question, story, or anything you’d like to say, head over to DriverMatty.com — I’d love to hear from you! And while you’re there, don’t forget to check out my other websites and social media channels.
