Blind on a night out: ‘You wouldn’t recognise your attacker’

Stephen Anton, from the Licensed Taxi Operators Association, told BBC News NI the industry is actively working to help protect vulnerable people.

“Legal taxis used correctly are safe. Book a legal taxi, for two reasons. The drivers are qualified, properly insured and have been vetted with a correct licence.

“Taxi companies have to have a licence too, log every journey, which means if there is an issue, you have some recourse.”

Mr Anton said pre-booking taxis, having a conversation about journey routes or preferences with your driver and sharing a journey electronically with a friend or family via app options can reassure passengers.

He added that many vehicles also have built in sat-nav devices, which could allow audio descriptions of routes switched on to further reassure passengers of their journeys.

Taxi drivers are under a duty to carry guide, hearing or certain other assistance dogs in their vehicles, with exceptions for drivers with certain medical conditions

A driver who refuses to carry one, or makes a charge for doing so, is guilty of an offence and could be fined up to £1,000

Other issues were raised by the women which they say act as barriers to going out at night.

There were concerns about street advertising, empty bottles or litter dropped on the floor creating hazards. Or, if they sat a handbag beside them on the floor, trusting that it won’t be lifted.

There have been initiatives within the hospitality sector to become more inclusive for those with vision impairment.

Last year, Derry City and Strabane District council passed a notice of motion which would see how QR codes could be made available at local venues to allow easy access to menus, which is currently being scoped out.