New EU Taxi Guidelines Released—But Critics Say Safety Takes a Back Seat
In July 2024, the EU Taxi launched revised car safety rules under the General Safety Regulation II (GSR II). Although the policy promises to make the roads safer across the board, most specialists are of the view that it lags behind when it comes to the safety standards of taxi and ride-hailing services.
At 247 Airport Taxi UK, we welcome progress, but also know where the gaps exist. Here’s what you should know.
1. Overview of the EU General Safety Regulation II
The GSR II is the EU’s latest move to improve road safety. It applies to all new vehicles sold from July 2024 onwards and introduces several mandatory features designed to reduce accidents and protect all road users.
Key vehicle safety features required under GSR II:
- Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) to avoid speeding
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) to minimize collisions
- Emergency Lane Keeping Systems (ELKS)
- Driver drowsiness and attention detection
- Event Data Recorders (like a car black box)
- Reversing detection systems (rear cameras or sensors)
These are strong advances for the automotive industry, but don’t fully cover service-based safety, especially in public transport sectors like taxis.
2. Gaps in Addressing Taxi and Ride-Hailing Services
Despite the focus on in-vehicle technology, the regulation lacks clear provisions for how taxi and ride-hailing platforms should ensure passenger safety at a service level. Critics point to several crucial areas left unregulated.
Concerns raised by safety experts and transport watchdogs:
- No EU-wide standard for vetting or background-checking taxi drivers
- No mandatory maintenance frequency for commercial taxi vehicles
- Limited oversight of ride-hailing platforms operating across borders
- Risk of increased unlicensed or unsafe operators filling demand gaps
These gaps lead to inconsistencies and potential vulnerabilities for passengers, particularly those who are using services in unfamiliar cities or nations.
3. The Significance of Whole-Spectrum Safety Strategies
Passengers desire more than a technologically safe car. They desire guarantees of the qualification of the driver, the upkeep of the car, and openness and accountability of service.
What passengers care most about in taxi safety:
- Fully licensed and trained drivers with clean records
- Vehicles that are regularly inspected and professionally maintained
- Fair, upfront pricing with no hidden fees
- Support systems are in place if something goes wrong during the ride
When these basics aren’t enforced, public confidence in the industry declines, even when technology is present.
4. 247 Airport Taxi’s Commitment to Safety
At 247 Airport Taxi UK, safety isn’t a policy, it’s a guarantee. Until EU law gets up to speed, we still raise our own standards to guarantee every trip is safe, comfortable, and hassle-free.
Here’s how we lead by example:
- Licensed, experienced drivers who undergo regular checks and local route training
- Routine vehicle maintenance and safety inspections on all cars in our fleet
- Meet & Greet service at the airport for secure, verified pickups
- Clear fixed pricing, so there are no surprises at the end of your journey
- 24/7 customer support, even during holidays and late-night hours
We go beyond basic compliance to deliver the kind of service passengers should expect, regardless of the EU’s current regulations.
5. Why Safety Shouldn’t Be an Afterthought
By summing up, the EU’s General Safety Regulation II is a welcome step in reducing accidents and making roads safer. But when it comes to passenger safety in taxi and ride-hailing services, the regulation leaves too much to chance.
Why this matters:
- Driver qualification and behavior are as important as vehicle features
- Passengers need accountability, not just automation
- A safe ride is about trust, something only reliable services like 247 Airport Taxi can consistently deliver
Whatever your journey, into or out of the airport, into the city, or handling a business trip, your safety should be paramount.
What we offer:
- Licensed drivers
- Safe, inspected vehicles
- Fixed pricing
- Support when you need it
Book your taxi or airport transfers now and ride with a 247 Airport Taxi team that puts your safety first, every time.
