Radio Carlisle Taxis will not accept a passenger request for a driver based on race, religion or background. The firm is Radio Carlisle Taxis Limited, a private hire operator at 67 Denton Street, Denton Holme. News and Star reported the online statement on 20 October 2026. PHTM reported it the same day.
The private hire operator register, as at 21 October 2026, lists licence POCA0024 at that address. The licence was issued on 9 February 2024, commenced on 1 February 2023, and expires on 31 January 2028.
What the statement sets out
The statement describes "real situations" the teams had experienced. Passengers had asked for certain drivers not to be sent because they were foreign, Muslim or from a different background. Neither report names a passenger or a driver, and neither gives a number of requests.
"At Radio Carlisle Taxis, we value our drivers for the work they do, the professionalism they demonstrate and the service they provide. Not their nationality. Not their religion. Not their skin colour."
On that account, drivers support their families and help keep Carlisle moving, and should be able to work without discrimination. A genuine concern about a driver's behaviour, driving or professionalism would be taken seriously.
"But refusing someone purely because of their background is not a reasonable service request. It's discrimination, and we will not accommodate it."
Booking staff are to be treated with respect, and should not face racial or religious abuse while doing their jobs.
"We are proud of our diverse team. And we are committed to making sure every member of it feels supported, respected and valued."
News and Star also reports a thank-you to passengers who treated drivers and staff with kindness, and whose respect made a difference.
Anti Racist Cumbria
Anti Racist Cumbria backed the decision and urged other businesses and organisations across Cumbria to take similar action.
"We fully support Radio Carlisle Taxis in taking a clear and unapologetic stand against racism."
The firm's message is given as "Racism is not a passenger preference", a line that should not have been needed in 2026. The need for it showed that racism was still present.
"Let's be absolutely clear: refusing to be driven by someone because of the colour of their skin is racism. It is not a preference, a misunderstanding or a difference of opinion."
Six years of highlighting racism across Cumbria are claimed. Cumbria Police figures are given as about 61 per cent of more than 4,000 hate crimes reported over five years being related to race. Those figures are Anti Racist Cumbria's account of the police numbers, not a separate count. Black people had shared experiences of racism, and the reality is held to be worse than the official figures. Businesses do not have to accept racist demands to keep customers happy.
"They can refuse it, name it and make it clear that racist behaviour has consequences."
Why people still feel entitled to make such demands in 2026 is left as a question.
"Racism is not a customer preference. It is not something to be accommodated, excused or negotiated with."
Responsibility for challenging racism should not fall only on the people who experience it.
"We commend Radio Carlisle Taxis for taking action and urge other businesses and organisations across Cumbria to do the same. Anti-racism is action, not just words."