A shocking image sent to Driver Matty shows a woman standing upright through the sunroof of a private hire vehicle while travelling along a busy UK motorway.
The photo, taken by a concerned road user, captures a passenger with her upper body fully outside the Volkswagen saloon, arms spread wide, as the vehicle continues at speed.
The vehicle clearly displays a private hire licence plate, meaning it was in operation as a licensed taxi at the time.
Safety concerns raised
Road safety experts have warned that this type of behaviour is incredibly dangerous, both for the passenger and other road users. Standing through a sunroof on a motorway not only risks severe injury in the event of sudden braking or a collision, but also breaches both road safety laws and private hire licensing rules.
One industry insider told DM News:
“This kind of reckless act gives the private hire trade a bad name. Drivers are responsible for the safety of their passengers, and this raises serious questions about professionalism and control inside the vehicle.”
Possible consequences
The incident could lead to action from both police and the local licensing authority. Private hire drivers are bound by strict regulations to ensure passenger safety at all times. If proven, the driver could face penalties including fines, licence suspension, or even revocation.
For passengers, the law is clear: failing to wear a seatbelt on motorways and engaging in dangerous behaviour could result in fines or further legal consequences.
Industry image at risk
The private hire sector is already under pressure from councils and campaigners over safety standards. Images such as this, circulating online, risk damaging the reputation of professional drivers who abide by the rules.
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