Taxi Driver Online

Batley Today

HEADLINE: Katie's fury after taxis refuse to take her home

A YOUNG woman was left stranded after taxis in Batley refused to take her home on Friday night.

Katie Gavaghan, 26, left her friends in The X Club at 1.30am and went to get a hackney carriage. When she asked the driver to take her to Welwyn Avenue, up Carlinghow Lane, she was told that no taxi would take her there.

She asked other taxi drivers if they would drive her home, and was told that because of recent attacks on drivers in the Wilton estate and Carlinghow areas, taxis are not driving there anymore.

Miss Gavaghan said: "I am angry. I was on my own without my mobile phone and facing a long walk home. All they said to me was, 'it's not my problem love'. I cannot understand their conscience. It's behaviour like that which makes people anti-social toward them.

"Luckily the lady on a hot dog stand nearby offered to drive me home. I really would have been stranded."

Joint chairman of the Hackney Carriage Association, Akooji Badat, said the situation is getting slightly better, and that as soon as attacks cease services will resume as normal. He added: "Attacks on taxis are still going on. Some drivers are still in fear of stones and bricks being thrown at them. After talks with the police and the licensing office, refusing to enter the areas was what was proposed.

"Some taxis do go into Carlinghow, but it all depends on the driver. If they feel uncomfortable going into troublesome areas they have the right to refuse the service."

Miss Gavaghan said: "I am certainly not going to use hackney carriages again, I would rather wait the extra 10 minutes and use a private hire firm.

"If drivers are so worried about bricks coming through their windows they should get a job that doesn't involve such risks."
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And thats the kind of caring attitude that led to the HC's taking that kind of action.

CC

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

Typical punter attitude!

I think that "ladies" comment will be noted.

Regards

JD

Did you miss this one JD?



I wonder if she bought a hot dog and is aware of the Rout vs. Swallow Hotels Case

CC

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

Nope, I didn't miss that one lol I read it all and took it all in but as in most cases when I post news items I don't often comment because I prefer others to offer their own opinion. I do comment on some news items but only if I feel a comment is worthy.

I would like you to comment on the question I asked you in another thread regarding your observation that local councils are more preferable than regional bodies.

Regards

JD

which thread was that on JD?

CC

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

I can't recall which thread it was lol...........but you said if anything went wrong at weekend you only had to walk across the road to the local council, or words to that effect. I'm pretty sure it was in respect of my opinion for a one tier system.

My memory is not what it used to be but its still better than yours lol.

Regards

JD

Any driver in the right mind wouldnt risk getting hit by a brick ect Dont punters realise we do this job to earn living not to be the object of a game and take abuse expecting to lay back and let it happen. If we wanted to get involved in such tactics we'd all be in the middle east helping George Bush out, We cant fight back for fear of loosing our licenses so the easy way out is to stay clear if certain areas. Its down to the residents police and local authorities to kick ass and clean up these areas.

No doubt this woman works in a large shop or a place where she can call security guards for help as so as somebody raises there voice at her. And seeing as she just came out of a club she was more than likely slightly inebreated and like a lot of other punters spoke to the drivers as a second class citizens. Seen it, Heard it, and refuse punters the same myself. Well done for drivers making it a no go area, it just goes to show there is a definate problem there.

Most, but not all, don't give a dam.

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IDFIMH