Taxi drivers are being attacked somewhere in the West Midlands most weeks as they go out onto the roads to do their jobs and earn money for their families, shocking figures obtained by the Birmingham Mail have revealed.
The Mail’s investigation, following the horrific killings of two taxi drivers in the region, has highlighted just how vulnerable they are, as they never know who is going to get into their cab.
Driver Anakh Singh, 59, was killed in a sickening attack in Wolverhampton last October during which he was headbutted, punched and kicked on the floor as devastating violence was meted out following a row over a fare.
Then just a few weeks later cabbie Mohammed Istakhar, 44, was attacked and left for dead in Solihull as his car was stolen.
Both harrowing cases have been in court in recent weeks, putting the safety of taxi drivers firmly back into the spotlight and acting as a reminder of the risks they take when going out onto the roads late at night.
Data the newspaper has uncovered only further illustrates that fact, with helpless drivers, often out on quiet roads in isolated areas in the small hours, commonly being beaten and battered.
West Midlands Police was asked for details of incidents which had involved taxi drivers since the start of 2021.
There were 577 reports of assault without injury and another 247 reports of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, where injury is caused.
There were another 84 of malicious wounding/inflicting grievous bodily harm, where the victim suffered a serious injury.
Some 243 incidents saw drivers receive harassment, alarm or distress, while there were 232 cases of 'fear of provocation of violence'.
There were 108 reports of robbery involving taxi drivers and 104 of racially or religiously aggravated harassment, alarm or distress.
It's possible some incidents may have been placed in more than one offence category but it nevertheless gives an indication of how many cases cops have to deal with.
It also shows how common violence involving taxi drivers is, with these hardworking family-men seen as easy targets as they transport sometimes drunken passengers across the region. There will likely be other incidents which are never reported.
Last week, Thomasz Margol was locked up for ten years for the manslaughter of Mr Singh while Oliver Pugh, 19, was found guilty of murdering Mr Istakhar in the separate attacks just a few weeks apart.
Imran Shafiq, chair of the Dudley Taxi Association, told last year how attacks on cabbies were becoming an increasing concern.
He said: "A trend we're seeing now is a lot of people not paying for taxis. They just get out and walk off and when a driver confronts them, they either get abused or physically abused.
"We're helpless. There is really nothing we can do. The police; sometimes they help, sometimes they don't."
Source: https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/black-country/dangerous-truth-being-taxi-driver-27322971
Taxi drivers say they are living in fear of facing criminal prosecutions after a new licensing authority’s move to unify the trade across a county left them “plying for hire illegally in an area in which it is not licensed”.
The Darlington & Stockton Times reports that North Yorkshire Council has been warned by a consultant working for taxi drivers that it has been reported to the Local Government Ombudsman after failing to acknowledge it had made an error when attempting to change where taxi drivers can work earlier this year or to take any remedial action.
It follows a taxi industry expert claiming in its rush to introduce a single area for taxis across the county, the council had not followed the legal procedure to create single hackney carriage licensing.
Earlier this year opponents of the council’s proposed taxi policy had told a meeting of the authority’s executive that it would lead to the clogging up of taxis in town centres while leaving sparse cover in rural areas, particularly for wheelchair users.
A meeting of the authority’s executive heard that a working group of elected members, with significant experience of licensing, had made a series of recommendations which the council’s officers had “tossed aside like a pair of old slippers” and come up with a series of different proposals.
Before the launch of North Yorkshire Council in April, taxis were licensed by the seven district and borough councils, which meant hackney carriages could only ply for hire in the area of the district council by which they were licensed.
In the weeks after vesting day, the new licensing authority oversaw all hackney carriages being able to ply for hire on all the ranks and streets of any town in North Yorkshire.
It is illegal for anyone to ply for hire in an area for which they are not licensed. On conviction, a fine of up to £2,500 may be imposed.
Although hackney drivers do not expect the council would prosecute them for plying illegally, as the council has already decided it wants hackneys to be able to ply for hire throughout the area, drivers are concerned they might still face prosecution by the police, and fines from the courts on conviction.
Richard Fieldman, formerly a Harrogate District Council hackney carriage driver, said drivers had only discovered the council had not followed the legal procedure after seeking a consultant’s advice.
He said the council was applying different rules to hackney carriages licensed in different parts of the county, “even though we were now supposed to be one area, subject to one set of rules”.
In a response to consultant David Wilson, of A2Z Licensing, the council said he had raised “important issues”, but added it did not agree it was facilitating the illegal operation of hackney carriages within its area.
A council spokesman said: “The council has been clear through its communication, consultation and within the Executive report that the council intended to create a single hackney carriage zone.”
Mr Wilson said as the council has failed to acknowledge its error and to take remedial action to comply with the current legal position, in the three weeks since the situation was brought to its attention in June, trade representatives were set to report the council to the Ombudsman.
Mr Wilson said: “Although admitting an error was made may be embarrassing for the new council and those licensing officers and lawyers involved, we are all human and make mistakes from time to time.
“What is important is that the council acknowledges its mistake and takes urgent action to comply with the law, restricting hackney carriage taxis to ply for hire in one of the former seven district council areas until such time as the council legally merges then into a single area.
“Members of the public can, however, be reassured that a hackney carriage is insured, even if plying for hire illegally in an area in which it is not licensed.”
Hackney carriage driver Katie Johnstone said: “The time has come for the council to admit it has driven a coach and horses through taxi law and to get around the table with trade representatives to work out how this situation can best be resolved.”
In response, North Yorkshire Council’s corporate director of environment, Karl Battersby, said: “We have received the letter and are taking legal advice on the points raised. We will be responding as soon as we can.”
Taxi and private hire drivers could have to undergo awareness training under new proposals aimed at improving the lives of disabled people.
The Mirror reports that plans would ensure businesses across the country are aware of disabled people’s needs, such as whether they require access for a Guide Dog.
Making improvements in the courts system so more disabled people can be on juries, and bringing in a British Sign Language (BSL) GCSE are among other measures being considered as part of the Government's Disability Action Plan.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said proposals include encouraging more autism-friendly programmes in the cultural and heritage sectors and promoting assistive technology to make sure more disabled people have access.
Plans will also look at legislating for mandatory disability awareness training for taxi and private hire drivers "to unlock greater travel freedom for disabled people".
People are being urged to respond to a newly-launched consultation, which opened on Tuesday 18 July and runs for 12 weeks, and which will be used to inform the plan later this year: https://shorturl.at/fhjl2
It will be open for anyone to comment to ensure it is informed by the experience and views of disabled people, disability organisations and charities.
Minister for Disabled People Tom Pursglove said the government “wants disabled people to be at the heart of decision making”.
He said: “Our Disability Action Plan will lay out practical measures we can implement here and now to improve the lives of disabled people.
"From leading the way globally with assistive technology to improving inclusivity and accessibility across sport, travel and culture, the Plan will also be important in setting the stage for longer term change.
"We want disabled people to be at the heart of decision making and I would encourage anyone interested to respond to this consultation so the views of disabled people across the country are front and centre of our final Disability Action Plan.”
The Plan builds on the passing of landmark legislation, including the Down Syndrome Act and British Sign Language Act – and a consultation to support the introduction of a new BSL GCSE.
Source: https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/taxi-drivers-could-disability-awareness-30489381
Hyndburn Borough Council is considering shaking up its licensing regime for older taxis and private hire vehicles.
According to the Lancashire Telegraph it is also proposing the removal of the requirement for all of them to carry a fire extinguisher and first aid kit, both of which are currently mandatory in Hyndburn borough.
Now the council is consulting on removing the requirement from its Taxi and Private Hire Licensing Policy.
It is also looking at reducing the frequency of road worthiness tests for vehicles aged between ten and 15 years old.
A Hyndburn Council spokesperson said: "Currently all vehicles should carry a first aid kit and a fire extinguisher.
"We are considering removing this requirement for the following reasons.
"If a vehicle is on fire, the advice given by the fire authority is to leave the vehicle and move away from it, and the fire extinguisher in the vehicle would not be sufficient to put out an engine fire.
"Only a trained first aider is permitted to administer first aid so a condition which requires the driver to carry a first aid kit would appear to be unreasonable.
"Currently all vehicles over the age of ten years have to be tested three times a year and are only issued with a licence for four months, excluding hybrids.
"However if a vehicle over the age of ten years passes its test the first time on three consecutive occasions, it will be issued with a six month licence on the third occasion.
"This was introduced as an incentive to encourage owners to maintain older vehicles to a high standard.
"The licensing manager has now been asked to commence a consultation relating to the first aid kit and fire extinguisher requirements.
"The proposal to be consulted upon would amend the conditions to allow all vehicles between the age of two years and 15 years to be granted with a six months licence regardless of whether they are hybrid or not.
"Once a vehicle reaches the age of 15 years it will revert to three tests a year and be issued with a four months licence.
"Comments should be submitted to Hyndburn Council licensing department before 4pm on August 8."
Source: https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/23663801.hyndburn-taxi-licence-shake-up-proposed-council/
Salam Drivers
"We had a meeting with licensing department yesterday afternoon and they have agreed to review most of the policies we put forward but they are not willing to give a timeframe.
"They have started working on vehicle age limit but can’t give a date of when it will be done.
"As for the 6 months compliance test they have agreed to review this policy although at first they were reluctant because they changed this policy only last year when they give us 12 month plates
"As things stand we are going ahead with the taxi protest on Wednesday 26th July outside Wakefield Town hall
"All drivers try to attend and get this message across to everyone unless we get a good turnout council won’t take us seriously.
"They have refused to give temporary plates until they pass new policy
"We have done everything we could have as an association now it’s down to drivers."
Thanks Yasar
Glasgow taxi users could be facing a near-10% fare increase and extended night-time charges.
At least 14 cars have been damaged since June, with drivers suffering financial loss and emotional distress.
The attack happened at around 12.45pm on Etruria Vale Road, Stoke, when the victim, driving a Toyota Avensis, was punched in the face by one of the men.
Cumberland Council has taken decisive action to protect public safety by revoking the licence of a taxi driver charged last week with a serious racially aggravated offence.
A historic bridge has been closed indefinitely after an Uber car became wedged on Saturday morning.
A local councillor has sparked a debate on passenger safety after claiming that using locally licensed taxis is safer than hailing an Uber.
A taxi driver was attacked and subjected to racist abuse after two brothers refused to pay him up front.
Christopher Hilling, 64, admitted to engaging a child in sexual activity at Chelmsford Crown Court on Thursday 8 August.
Abdigani Ebrahim, 38, of Grangetown, admitted charges of affray and criminal damage following the incident in Northcote Street, Roath, last July.
The crackdown targeted drivers operating across council boundaries to ensure public safety and compliance with regulations.
Lucio Valentino relies on his six-year-old Border Collie, Pixel, to help manage his mental health conditions, including depression and personality disorders.
Taxi drivers across the Fylde Coast are set to receive a briefing note aimed at clearing up confusion over out-of-area private hire vehicles.
Police are appealing to find a taxi driver who may have "vital clues" about the murder of Ryan Passey seven years ago since he was fatally stabbed in a Stourbridge nightclub.
A joint operation by Hull City Council, Wolverhampton Council, and Humberside Police has uncovered a number of safety issues with taxis operating in the city.
French taxi drivers are calling for government compensation after suffering significant revenue losses during the Paris Olympics.
Coventry city centre has introduced a new taxi marshal service aimed at improving safety and efficiency for late-night revellers.
A court heard harrowing details of the moment a drink-driving uninsured motorist killed three people in a 90mph crash.
The Taxi Charity for Military Veterans was amongst the thousands who enjoyed the Battle Proms at Highclere Castle on 3 August.
Swindon residents could be facing a hike in taxi fares from October after councillors gave the green light to a £1 increase in the standard fare minimum charge.
Ricky Harold, a 20-year veteran of the town’s taxi trade, was parked in a lay-by when his vehicle was struck from behind by a black Audi A2.