This is Burton's top taxi driver who says he wouldn't want to work anywhere elsehttps://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/burton ... ho-3367455He has been named the best cabbie in town
Image: Derby Telegraph/Burton MailA Burton taxi driver is celebrating after being named the town's best cabbie by his customers.
Mohammed Tariq, who runs Falcon Cars in Burton, was voted the best cabbie in Burton and Uttoxeter after customers were asked to cast their vote.
Dad-of-four Mr Tariq, 53, came out top in the poll because he is always willing to go that extra mile to accommodate his customers, especially those who are disabled.
He said after landing the honour: "A passion for driving got me into being a taxi driver and I really enjoy driving the people of Burton and surrounding areas around.
"Honestly they are the best customers in the United Kingdom and I wouldn't want to be a taxi driver in any other town or city."
Mr Tariq, who lives in the town, has run his own firm the past nine years. He employs 20 drivers. His daughter also works for the firm.
Image: Derby Telegraph/Harry AllissHe was voted the top cabbie in an online poll was run by Burton MP Andrew Griffiths. It is part of a national competition the Parliamentary Taxi Driver of the Year.
He now goes through to the national contest, taking on cabbies from across the country.
Mr Tariq, 53, from Queen Street has lived in Burton for 49 years and has been a taxi driver since 1985.
He currently drives a silver Ford Mondeo and says Fords are his favourite. He received a plaque after being named the town's top taxi driver, which was presented Burton MP Andrew Griffiths.
Mr Tariq said: "Firstly I would like to thank Mr Griffiths for running the initiative and to help give some recognition for the taxi drivers in Burton.
"I would like to thank everyone who voted for me and there are a couple of people who deserve a huge mention, Coral Haywood and Keith Crew who nominated me and helped to push forward my nomination.
"A lot has changed since I first started, there are a lot more drivers, traffic has increased and the roadworks are a pain. But you just have to carry on and get on with it, like any job or profession there are continuous changes and being a taxi driver is no different.
"Even after all these years I really enjoy and love my job and that's down to the customers, because if I didn't enjoy it I would pack it in.
"There have been loads of stories and I have met all manner of people. There have been a few frightening cases over the years, but nothing too major.
"Thanks to my job I have been all over the UK and if I was working in a office or a shop, I wouldn't have had this opportunity."
Mr Griffiths said: “There were lots of great nominations, but it became clear early on from comments on social media that Mohammed was the clear favourite amongst my constituents.
"He was praised for the many ways he helps to make his fellow Burtonian’s travel easier and his willingness to accommodate any travel need for his customers.
"In particular, people with mobility issues have praised Mohammed and his team for helping them with their shopping and getting in and out of the car.”
“I was delighted to present Mohammed with a plaque to congratulate him on this achievement and I wish him the best of luck in the national competition.”
Mr Tariq will now go into the national competition where the winner will be announced at the House of Commons on October 15.
Image: Derby Telegraph/Burton Mail
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