Taxi Driver Online

Bid to re-launch Dudley Taxi Watch after attack on driver Mohammed Ahmed


THE Old Hill taxi driver, who was left for dead in a brutal attack in Brierley Hill, has made a heartfelt plea for more to be done to stop attacks from happening again.

Mohammed Ahmed was beaten up by a group of men who fled, leaving nearby residents to raise the alarm.

The 60-year-old victim, who works for the Brierley Hill-based Newline Taxis, was taken to Russells Hall Hospital in a critical condition last month after suffering a fractured skull, where he is now recovering.

Mr Ahmed said he was “humbled” by the number of well-wishers and all those who had supported and cared for him.

And he added: “I plead with the council and police to support drivers more and prevent this happening again to anyone.”

Mr Ahmed said he had little memory of what happened, but could recall a group of men arguing with him about why he could not pick them up in Bell Street South, shortly before 9.30pm.

Shaz Saleem, chairman of the Dudley Private Hire and Taxi Association, said he had been working to get Dudley Taxi Watch revived before the assault on Mr Ahmed.

He said: “This attack makes it even more imperative to get it going again. I have been in talks with the police and hope it may restart in a couple of weeks.

Mr Saleem blamed police cuts and personnel changes for the demise of Taxi Watch, after three years, 12 months ago.

He added: “We used to have regular meetings with one officer and we could take our concerns to him – we were also the eyes and ears of the police and could give them information about what was happening on the streets.

“But after about two years we lost the permanent officer, staff changed regularly and it fizzled out.”

Dudley Council’s cabinet member responsible for taxis Councillor Richard Body revealed the council is looking into the possibility having CCTV installed into borough taxis to safeguard all parties.

He added: “If this is something deemed viable to pursue we will enter a consultation period before any decisions are made.”    

Chief inspector Simon Inglis, from Dudley Police, said he understood the concerns of taxi drivers and assured them officers were working hard to bring Mr Ahmed’s attackers to justice.

He added: “I am keen to work with the Dudley Private Hire and Taxi Association and the local council on any initiative which aims to prevent such assaults and helps them to feel safer."

source: http://www.halesowennews.co.uk/news/loc ... felt_plea/

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