Veezu, the UK’s largest and fastest-growing private hire technology business, today announces a new partnership with national charity Stamp Out Spiking to raise awareness of spiking. They have also agreed to collaborate on an accredited anti-spiking training pilot for private hire drivers, a first-of-its-kind initiative by a UK private hire vehicle (PHV) operator. The new voluntary training empowers Veezu driver-partners to recognise and respond to spiking risks.
The pilot will launch this summer in Norwich, supported by Norwich City Council, South Norfolk and Broadland District Council, as part of their ongoing work to promote a safer night-time economy. The pilot is also supported by the Norfolk Chamber of Commerce.
Veezu is the first private hire operator to partner with Stamp Out Spiking, the national charity dedicated to ending substance-facilitated harm through prevention, education, victim support, and policy change. Founded by long-time campaigner and educator Dawn Dines, the charity delivers training for frontline professionals, raises public awareness through national campaigns, and works with authorities to improve responses and push for stronger laws.
To further support the campaign, Veezu will donate a proportion of the fare to Stamp Out Spiking for every app-based booking made in Norwich throughout July. The donation campaign aims to raise awareness following International Stamp Out Spiking Day on 15 July and will directly support the charity’s national prevention work.
This targeted training marks a significant step by the PHV sector in taking action to address spiking, a growing public safety concern involving the non-consensual administration of substances, often leading to theft, assault, or sexual violence. Police data shows more than 6,700 spiking incidents were reported between May 2022 and April 2023, with real numbers likely far higher due to underreporting.
While hospitality venues have made progress in tackling spiking, transport has often been left out of the conversation. Yet, for many people, the journey home is when the effects of spiking can begin to escalate. Private hire drivers are uniquely placed to recognise when someone may be vulnerable or in need of help. They already make a significant contribution to getting the public home safely. This new training initiative aims to spread best practice and equip the sector with clear guidance on how to identify risk and respond appropriately.
The announcement comes as the Crime and Policing Bill 2024–25 enters its final parliamentary stages, with new legislation expected to introduce a standalone offence of ‘administering a harmful substance’. The proposed law reflects mounting public pressure for stronger prevention and enforcement across hospitality, transport, and community services.
Chris Ford, Regional Director at Veezu, said: “Driver-partners already play an important role in helping people get home safely. This partnership is about going further, ensuring they have the knowledge and confidence to respond with care and offer an added layer of protection when it’s needed most. We’re proud to lead by example. It shows what’s possible when transport providers, councils, and charities come together to deliver practical, joined-up solutions for public safety.”
Dawn Dines, founder and CEO of Stamp Out Spiking, added: “Spiking is a hidden crime that can have devastating consequences. After years of studying victims’ testimonials, we understand just how vital it is to collaborate with different sectors to safeguard against spiking. This collaboration with Veezu is a powerful and ground-breaking step forward. By empowering drivers with the knowledge to identify and respond to the signs of spiking, we are creating a vital new layer of safeguarding during the journey home. This is part of the jigsaw of us all working together, collaborating to stamp out these invisible crimes and to help both men and women at a time when they most need it. Together, we can create a culture where everyone plays a role in keeping others safe as per our nationwide Keep an Eye Out campaign.”
David Woods, a licensed PHV driver-partner, shared: “I’ve always seen passenger and public safety as a fundamental part of being a licensed private hire driver. When I learned about the Stamp Out Spiking campaign, I knew it was something I wanted to bring to Veezu, because they take safety just as seriously. It was welcome news when they chose to back the campaign, and I’m proud to be part of the launch. Everyone deserves to feel safe, and no one should ever feel at risk when enjoying an evening out. That’s why this campaign is so important to me.”
Jack Weaver, Chief Operating Officer, Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, stated: “Norwich’s night-time economy is an important part of the city’s cultural and economic life. The city’s Purple Flag status recognises Norwich as a safe, inclusive, and well-managed place to enjoy a night out. This initiative from Veezu and Stamp Out Spiking recognises that joined-up safety benefits both businesses and the wider community, and it’s encouraging to see local transport providers stepping up to support the high standards that make Norwich such a vibrant and trusted destination.”
