Almost 80 percent of Londoners feel unsafe at night, Freenow study finds
Passengers in London are increasingly demanding safety features when using transport at night. Three-quarters say the ability to track their journey in real time increases their sense of security – this feature can be found on the Freenow app, showing live location, car registration and driver information. 36% also share their live location with friends or family and when it comes to preferred modes of transport, over half (51%) of people perceive black cabs as safer than other options.
A Collaborative Approach to Safer Nightlife
To directly address these critical issues, Freenow is working with Stop Hate UK and Little Door & Co, London’s house-party themed bars and restaurants, to promote safer journeys home. The initiative emphasises practical safety measures on a night out, such as journey tracking, sharing driver details, and raising awareness of harassment prevention, while supporting London’s vibrant nighttime economy.
This approach responds to research showing 37% of Londoners would feel safer with additional measures, combining education, awareness, and community collaboration to create a more secure environment for passengers and hospitality staff alike.
Danny O’Gorman, UKI General Manager at Freenow, comments:
“Our research reveals just how widespread the issue of public safety is. We want to make it easier for everyone to get out and enjoy what London has to offer, knowing they can get home safely. That’s why we’re proud to partner with Stop Hate UK and venues like Little Door & Co to create a more inclusive, supportive nightlife culture. By combining our efforts, we emphasise that safety doesn’t end when the night does – it continues all the way home, helping build welcoming communities where everyone feels secure.”
Rose Simkins, Chief Executive of Stop Hate UK adds:
“Everyone deserves to feel safe in public spaces – whether that’s during the day or on a night out. Sadly, this research shows that anxiety and vulnerability in London is still very real. Through our partnership with Freenow and the unique training we’ve delivered for drivers, we’re aiming to raise awareness and support those affected by hate crime. The funds raised will be pivotal in allowing us to develop an app exclusive platform to ensure that people can access support wherever they are.”
