Taxi drivers have been given self-defence lessons in a bid to improve their safety while working late at night.

Following a spate of incidents where drivers have been attacked by drunken passengers, Watford Borough Council hosted a taxi driver safety day where they were given self-defence demonstrations by officers from Hertfordshire Police.

Drivers had the chance to speak to companies about safety equipment, including CCTV cameras and cashless payment systems, while a simulator provided by the Energy Saving Trust showed how they could save fuel by driving smoothly.

Staff from HM Revenue and Customs and firefighters also gave advice at the event, held at West Herts Sports Club, in Park Avenue, on September 14.

Shafiq Ahmed, chairman of the Watford Hackney Carriage Association, said: “The taxi open day was a very good experience for the trade. The latest technology items can help provide extra security in our night time work. Other high-tech equipment on show was also amazing. It certainly opened new horizons for all of us to pursue.”

Councillor Jan Brown, chairman of the council's licensing committee, added: "Working with licensed drivers to identify particular problems, we have recently introduced ID checks and CCTV at the marshalled taxi rank in Rickmansworth Road at night.

“This safety day was an opportunity for drivers to see what the market place has to offer them to make their own workplace a safer place to be I am very pleased that the council was able to put on this event for them."