New data from ride-hailing firm Bolt reveals that Thursdays are stealing the spotlight for nights out. The ratio of Thursday-to-Friday nighttime trips has skyrocketed by 32% in the last three years.

In 2021, for every 100 people that were out on Friday between 6pm and 6am, there were 57 out on Thursday. In 2024, that number has jumped to 751.

Bolt’s trip data also reveals that peak hours for nightlife are shifting, now occurring one hour earlier. In 2024, the busiest time was 11pm on a Saturday, whereas in 2023, it was midnight.

Additional research from Bolt reveals that overall, over a quarter (27%) of Brits are going ‘out’ less at night compared to last year, with rising costs as the main reason. Nearly two-thirds (63%) of those scaling back say they’re deterred by expenses, while 26% cite safety concerns, and 15% say they’re discouraged by fewer open venues.

Despite this trend, Newcastle, Bristol, and Edinburgh still lead the UK in night-time activity, beating London. However, these cities have all seen a decline over the last year.

Of those who do go ‘out’ at night, the majority (55%) visit restaurants, with two fifths (41%) commonly going to pubs, and about a quarter (26%) going to the cinema. Under a quarter also commonly go to bars (23%) or the theatre (22%). Only about a tenth (11%) go to a club and one in six (16%) go to a live music or comedy venue.

Chris McMillan, Operations Manager at Bolt, said: “Ride-hailing plays a key role in supporting the night-time economy, with our data showing that 22% of ride-hailing users rely on this mode of transport to visit bars and restaurants, attend events, and explore tourist destinations. In addition to being an efficient and safe way to get around, shared mobility gives a boost to businesses.

"Nightlife has changed over the last few years, with people now preferring weekday evenings to big weekend nights out. However, our insights show that people are going out less overall. This is impacting businesses and individuals alike, from bars and clubs, to restaurants and drivers. We all have a joint objective of protecting and rejuvenating this essential sector, which not only adds billions to the economy but provides a livelihood for millions of people."

Michael Kill, Chief Executive Officer of the Night Time Industries Association, said: "These findings from Bolt underscore a significant challenge facing the night-time economy. With people going out less, and many citing financial pressures, our sector faces profound impacts on both footfall and business sustainability. The shift to earlier hours and the drop in late-night engagement are reshaping the landscape for nightlife, with venues struggling to adapt. As an essential part of our culture and economy, we must urgently address these issues with government and stakeholders to support the businesses and communities that thrive in the night-time economy."

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A cabbie suspended by South Gloucestershire Council after receiving 50 complaints continued to work for a ride-hailing app, picking up an estimated 1,000 more passengers.

The driver, who has not been named, was suspended by a council panel but was able to continue working while appealing the decision.

It’s unclear what the 50 complaints related to, as these details are not routinely made available to the public.

The problem was raised during a meeting of the regulatory committee on November 14. Councillors called for the complaints process “to be tightened up”.

Once councillors decide to suspend a licence, the law allows them a 28-day appeal period during which drivers can carry on working. Councilors have expressed concerns about public safety and called for a review of the complaints process.

Conservative Councillor Keith Cranney said: “If we suspend a driver, then he should be suspended, not out there working.

"This flags up some very serious issues. There’s not enough liaison between those app providers and our licensing officers.

"I really do feel that the complaints process with these apps needs to be tightened up.”

The council is also considering changes to its procedures, as the driver claimed he hadn’t received letters from the council informing him of his suspension.

Liberal Democrat Cllr Chris Davies said: “The issue was that he was sent a letter, and no more. He denied receiving the letter, which is very difficult to prove.

"No taxi driver can exist without an address, a mobile phone and an email, and we need all three of those.

"If we’ve sent a letter, and a PDF by email, and an SMS saying you’ve been sent these, they cannot deny it then.”

Before the pandemic, the council used to send out suspension letters using recorded delivery, although this was stopped “because it was the post person signing the letters”, one council officer said.

It’s unclear whether the council has returned back to using recorded delivery, or not.

The council doesn’t inform operators if drivers are suspended, but this might happen in future.

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East Riding of Yorkshire Council has issued a warning to residents about the dangers of using unlicensed taxis, particularly during the busy Christmas period.

To combat this issue, the council has implemented new safety measures, including the installation of upgraded CCTV systems in all East Riding Council vehicles. These would cover all of the internal of the vehicle and a forward fitting dashcam, as well as an audio recording facility that can be activated by passengers or drivers should anyone feel at risk.

Residents are urged to only use legally licensed taxis and PHVs to ensure their safety.

The council’s licensing team will be deploying taxi marshals in Beverley Saturday Market on Friday 20th, Saturday 21st December, and New Year’s Eve to provide additional security and assistance.

Councillor Lyn Healing, Cabinet Member for Communities and Public Protection, stated: “We are aware of the increased risk of unlicensed taxi activity during the festive season. It is crucial to exercise caution and only accept rides from trusted, licensed taxis.

"Please report any concerns to the council’s licensing team.”

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A man has been jailed for more than two years after he tried to help a Bradford cabbie to avoid prosecution for running a red light in the city.

Atique Khan, 44, was locked up for his role in the bid to pervert the course of justice, but the cabbie, Kashif Khan, was spared jail after a judge said he was very lucky not to be following his co-accused into custody.

In July 2021, Kashif Khan’s Lexus vehicle was caught on another driver’s dashcam running a red light on the A650 in Bradford.

The incident was reported to the police, but after Kashif Khan received a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP), the pair embarked on what was described by Recorder Patrick Palmer as “sophisticated, determined and planned” offending.

The NIP was returned naming another driver and with an address which the judge was told had been used in similar nominations more than 170 times between April 2019 and April 2024.

The subsequent police investigation linked Atique Khan to the address and he was said to have provided it to Kashif Khan to mislead or confuse the inquiry.

After suspicions were raised another NIP was sent out in January 2022 and this time Kashif Khan nominated a different man at another address which police also had to check out.

The court heard that Atique Khan, who had previous convictions for perverting the court of justice and fraud by false representation, was also linked to the second address.

In an interview with Bradford Council’s taxi licensing department Kashif Khan put forward what Recorder Palmer said was “a third story” claiming that his vehicle had been taken to a garage to be repaired at the time of the red light offence.

Recorder Palmer said it was clear that the two defendants had “put their heads together” to provide another story.

Atique Khan, from Bradford, admitted a charge of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice and was jailed for 26 months.

The court heard that Kashif Khan, 30, had no previous convictions and Recorder Palmer sentenced him to 18 months in prison, suspended for two years, after he admitted perverting the course of justice.

Kashif Khan, who no longer works as a taxi driver, will have to do 250 hours’ unpaid work for the community and comply with 25 rehabilitation activity requirement days. He must also pay costs of £360.

Recorder Palmer said the pair had been cooperating from an early stage to deceive the police and prevent the administration of justice.

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Not all heroes wear capes - meet Jay Jones, a private hire driver for 247 Transport in Hastings who is a true community champion.

Jay isn’t just a driver; he’s a barber, a college student working hard to finish his Level 3 AND a local hero committed to giving back. Despite juggling a packed schedule, he’s making it his mission to spread joy this Christmas.

This is what Jay says: "Every year I like to try and do something to help the less fortunate families in and around my home town and raise as much as I can to help these families at Christmas time.

"Xmas time can be a very lonely time of year for many, so if I can create a smile and make some families feel good then that makes me happy.

"For the last 3 years I've offered a free taxi service to take families to see Santa and the Xmas lights switched on and also raised over £2000 pounds for local charities.

"This year as a qualified hairstylist, I'm also offering free haircuts to lees fortunate families who are struggling."

"TALL gofund.me donations this year will go to a local charity called 'survivingthestreets' which helps less fortunate families all year round. They also hold a Christmas day dinner for the homeless and give gifts to struggling families.

"So please dig deep and donate as much as you can to such a great cause - let's make smiles this Christmas."

Jay believes in making a difference, and we’re proud to call him one of trade.

Join him in spreading the Christmas spirit!

Please support his cause here: Click the link: https://gofund.me/f0d0bf51

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