Taxi Driver Online

Security plans to protect cabbies

A Preston taxi firm struck twice by robbers in 24 hours is introducing a security system to help protect its cabbies.

Two of the three taxi drivers robbed in the city last week both worked for Miller Taxis.

Now, the firm's operations controller Gordon Riding has said the firm is set to introduce a "call back" system to alleviate the need for taxi drivers to get out of their cabs.

It comes as council chiefs try to bring in a policy of cabbies not sounding their horn to let customers know they've arrived.

Mr Riding said: "We store the number of the caller and when the driver arrives to collect the fare he rings the number and lets it ring twice to alert the person.

"It saves the need for them to get out of the car – but will only work if the person is listening or watching for their arrival."

Michael Rooney, manager of Ribbleton Taxis, said drivers were "living in a state of terror", adding: "It's a good idea but sometimes people withhold their number or won't give it to you.

"The council are still trying to bring in daft guidelines that cabbies should leave their car to knock on the door and not honk their horn."

Mark Selley of Preston Hackney Carriage Association, said CCTV in taxis might act as a deterrent.

Mike Thorpe, head of licensing at Preston Council, said: "A ring back system would certainly be a very good idea and something we would welcome."

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
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