Not an usual request linked to this kind of stuff.
But I'd guess there are stronger links between the so-called 'community leaders' here (normally known as 'councillors') and the trade than would usually be the case
And you'd certainly assume that councillors wouldn't make statements like this off their own backs, as opposed to effectively funneling the trade's views on the subject, particular the signage thing...
(And any spelling and punctuation errors as per the original...)
'Serious concerns' as Stoke-on-Trent taxi drivers come under attack
https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/news/st ... i-10940653
There have been calls for cabbies to be given permission to remove livery from vehicles
Community leaders have raised 'serious concerns' after Stoke-on-Trent taxis are being targeted 'on a regular basis'. Councillors say licensed taxis and private hire vehicles in the Potteries are being 'deliberately damaged' and 'smashed'.
Now Stoke-on-Trent City Council has been urged to allow cabbies to remove the livery - display stickers - from their vehicles. The calls, which come from city councillors Faisal Hussain, Sadaqat Maqsoom, and Tabrase Din, have been made against a backdrop of incidents in the Potteries.
StokeonTrentLive reported how armed cops were scrambled after a pellet gun was fired at a taxi on a supermarket car park in Tunstall. The force sasy the cabbie, who was 'left shaken' after reporting a shot being fired at the rear passenger side window of his vehicle. Just yesterday and a StokeonTrentLive reader shared an image of a taxi on Severn Street in Cobridge with its front passenger side window smashed.
https://i2-prod.stokesentinel.co.uk/art ... 062730.jpg
In a letter to the local authority the three councillors say taxi drivers in the city need to know there's a plan in place to keep them safe.
The letter, which the councillors have shared on social media, states: "We are writing to raise serious concerns regarding a number of recent incidents involving licensed taxi and private hire vehicles being deliberately damaged, with reports of vehicles being smashed on a regular basis.
"These incidents are causing significant worry and distress among licensed drivers, many of whom rely on their vehicles for their livelihood and work long hours providing an essential service to the public. While we are encouraging all drivers to report incidents to the police and relevant authorities, we are also asking the licensing department to consider what additional measures can be introduced to help protect licensed drivers and support the trade during this time.
"Given your important role in overseeing and supporting the licensed taxi and private hire sector, we would appreciate clarification on what steps the department intends to take in response to these ongoing issues. This may include engagement with Staffordshire Police, communication with drivers, reviewing safety measures, or introducing further initiatives aimed at protecting licensed drivers and their vehicles.
"In addition, given the current situation and the increased risk of vehicles being targeted, we ask that you consider removing the condition requiring vehicles to display stickers (livery). We believe this requirement may make vehicles more easily identifiable and therefore more vulnerable to damage and its removal could help reduce the risk to drivers.
"Drivers need reassurance that their concerns are being taken seriously and that proactive action is being considered to address these repeated incidents. We would be grateful for your response outlining any planned actions or support available to licensed drivers."
Councillor Maqsoom, who represents the Lightwood North and Normacot ward, wrote on Facebook: "Our drivers deserve to feel safe at work. We will keep pushing for action."
The letter has also been shared on Stoke-on-Trent Private Hire Drivers Association's Facebook page.
We have contacted Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Staffordshire Police for statements on the concerns raised by the Conservative councillors.