Asian Cabbies' Race Claim Rejected
Thursday, October 01, 2009
Watchdogs have rejected complaints that police officers have been racially harassing Asian taxi drivers in Scunthorpe by issuing them with on-the-spot parking fines for £30.
The complaint was made to the Humberside Police Professional Standards Branch (PSB) by local cabbie Muhammad Ali, who was supported by 29 of his fellow drivers from Scunthorpe and Bradford.
Mr Ali claimed he had discovered more than seven times more fixed penalty tickets were issued to Asian drivers in the town's Doncaster Road area than against white colleagues.
The allegations were made against two police officers, who have not been identified, who were also accused of using threatening behaviour and abusive language.
Chief Insp Simon Walker, of Scunthorpe police, said Mr Ali's complaint had been investigated locally by the PSB and had been found to be not proven.
Chief Insp Walker said: "Mr Ali was informed and has not appealed against the finding."
Chief Insp Walker said he did not have details of the individual tickets issued.
He added: "Both the PSB and myself are satisfied no individuals, regardless of race, colour or gender, are being unfairly treated by the police in North Lincolnshire."
But Mr Ali, 41, of West Street, Scunthorpe, who is currently off work, said he is seeking legal advice over the PSB findings.
"We are seeking legal advice," he said.
"I am also arranging a meeting with the town's MP Elliot Morley to press for a public inquiry into the actions of the two police officers concerned."
Source; ThisIsScunthorpe.co.uk
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