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Posted on the 7th November 2024 in PHTM News
TAXI DRIVERS DEMAND ACTION AFTER "DAILY ABUSE" AT STOCKPORT STATION
Stockport taxi drivers are calling for urgent action to address abuse and intimidation they are suffering outside the town’s railway station.
The Stockport Taxi Association (STA) said drivers "don't feel safe" after a surge in incidents including verbal abuse, physical fights and damage to vehicles due to non-taxi drivers parking illegally in taxi ranks, bus stops and other restricted areas.
Tauqir Chaudhry, chairman of the STA, stated: “Every second day we get a crime reference number from the police. People regularly park their vehicles in unauthorised areas, leading to physical fights, injuries, and damage to vehicles.”
Asim Javed, a taxi driver for seven years, explained: “Sometimes we're about to move off and people are trying to get in and park next to us on the taxi rank. It's very dangerous.
"We just want the trouble to stop. It's about safety for drivers and other people who come here."
Waseem Saeed (pictured) a taxi driver of 14 years in Stockport, added: "Every driver here has been involved in some incident with other drivers, it happens every day.
"I've had it a few times myself. There has been physical fighting. If they put a camera here people would get tickets and it would stop."
To mitigate the problem, the STA is proposing several solutions, including:
- Physical barriers: similar to those at Manchester Piccadilly station.
- increased traffic warden patrols: to enforce parking regulations.
- additional CCTV cameras: to deter anti-social behaviour and aid in investigations.
Stockport Council has acknowledged the concerns raised by the taxi drivers and is currently reviewing potential safety measures.
Cllr Grace Baynham, the council’s transport lead, said: “We understand the challenges… and have increased enforcement in the area. While a taxi-only zone is challenging, we’re reviewing STA’s suggestions for further improvements.
"CCTV is already in place, and we encourage drivers to report any incidents to GMP for investigation.”
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has also pledged to address the issue.
Insp Jason Holmwood, from GMP’s Stockport district, said: “When we receive reports of threatening behaviour and criminal damage, we endeavour to look at all available information with a view to taking the most appropriate action.”
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