Taxi Driver Online

Oxted minicab driver up for Cabbie of the Year award



PREVENTING a man from returning to a burning house and helping a car crash victim – it has all been in a day's work for Oxted minicab driver Craig McIntosh.

The 28-year-old's dramatic interventions, coupled with his worthy work for disadvantaged youngsters, have propelled him into the final three of a national Cabbie of the Year competition.

And today (Wednesday) he will learn whether he has won the coveted award and the lucrative prize that goes with it.

Mr McIntosh, the boss of Oxted-based Aset Cars, who lives in Caterham, was not aware he had been nominated for the award by his colleagues until competition organiser Swinton Taxi insurance brokers told him he had made the final.

The first of the father of four's good deeds took place two years ago when he spotted a fire at a house in Hurstlands, Hurst Green.

He said: "I saw smoke pouring out.

"A poor old man, who had been trying to put out the fire with a watering can, went to go back into the blazing house.

"I dragged him away for his own safety and put out the fire with a nearby hosepipe."

He also stepped in after an elderly pensioner was injured when her car crashed in woodland off Kent Hatch Road, Limpsfield, earlier this year.

She had suspected neck injuries so Mr McIntosh held her neck in place until paramedics took over.

The cabbie is a volunteer coach at Edenbridge Rugby Club in Kent where his duties include teaching autistic children to play.

Mr McIntosh will visit Coventry City FC's Ricoh Arena on Wednesday where former player for the club Dave Bennett will present the prizes.

The winning driver gets £1,000 and one year's free taxi insurance.

Mr McIntosh said: "The award is a great opportunity to recognise the work that taxi drivers do.

"It's good to know that our work hasn't gone unnoticed."

Alex Cooke, of Swinton Taxi Division, said: "Craig has shown a very caring nature in his work with his local rugby club and by helping when he sees a stranger in need."

In January Mr McIntosh launched a petition against Tandridge District Council's plan to increase various fees for cab drivers.

Signed by more than 20 drivers from Oxted and Caterham, the petition was presented to the council the following month.

The council made a partial climbdown, agreeing smaller increases than proposed.

http://www.thisissurreytoday.co.uk/Oxte ... story.html

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