Taxi Driver Online

Cabbie's death threat fears


A CAMPAIGNING cabbie has called in the police after he was sent a menacing text telling him he was a dead man.

Neath Port Talbot Proprietors' Association secretary Bob Hoyles said he was concerned for himself and his children after being sent the anonymous death threat.

"In the past I've had insults and other firms threatening to take my drivers off me but I know they have come from my rivals so they have never bothered me," said Neath-based Mr Hoyles.

"But this one is different. It has gone up to a new, very frightening level.

"I have called in the police. It's not just about me, I have children to worry about as well.''

The text reads: "Bob, you're a dead man, you (expletive).''

Mr Hoyles has been in the news as one of the main campaigners in a new drive to get Neath Port Talbot to put a ban on new taxi licences being issued.

However, he does not think this is why he has been targeted, as the matter has gone out for consultation so any taxi owners against it could make their feelings clear to the council.

Instead, he believes it is because he has raised concerns about so-called cross-border taxis operating in the county.

He has claimed an unnamed "rotten apple" company is getting cars licensed by Powys County Council, which he said charged lower fees, and using them as private hire vehicles in this county.

But Mr Hoyles claims the safety standards applied in Powys are less stringent that those in Neath Port Talbot — and contends the cross-border operation is adding to the trade's problems during the recession.

"The police have been to see me and have taken details of the content of the text and the number it was sent from,''he said.

"To me it is very serious. All I have done for 25 years is try to protect the livelihood of our members, and now this happens."

A Neath and Port Talbot police spokesman said: "We have received a complaint and the matter is under investigation."

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

That text can be traced to when, where and who's phone it came from, within seconds if the police are minded to.

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IDFIMH

Unless its a pre-pay bought with cash, or an unlocked one which can be bought from any number of dodgy 'phone shops' up and down our high streets.

My view of cowardly scum is that they ain't that bright.

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IDFIMH

Wonder if the threats are on going?

CC

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