Ray Butterworth, secretary of the Association of Nottingham Private Hire Operators and Drivers
I AM very concerned – yet again – to hear about another attack on a taxi driver who is just trying to earn a living.
The Post reported yesterday how Philip Horton was attacked when he challenged three men who tried to run off after he took them to Ollerton.
It is totally unacceptable for anyone who may feel aggrieved, or for opportunistic reasons, to feel justified in attacking a driver.
I rather doubt if indeed there was any justification in this instance for the driver being treated in the manner as described by the judge.
There are members of the public who seem to think it is "fun" to engage with others by doling out physical attacks.
The association occasionally receives reports of our drivers being taunted; verbally abused; being told, for instance, they are driving on the wrong route. Yes, occasionally drivers make the wrong decisions. However, this should never lead to any form of aggression from the public. Drivers have little defence without CCTV in such circumstances.
The Association recommends as good practice to always have CCTV (audio) installed in vehicles. The association is aware from real-time tests that we have arranged, that the presence of CCTV does act as a deterrent. Evidence from CCTV equipment enables the law to more ably support a driver's case/defence should they be summoned to court. A picture paints a thousand words.
I doubt if there is one single private hire driver who is not aware of the risks faced on a daily basis. But violence against a driver, or anyone else, can never be justified.
The vast majority of drivers who work in the taxi industry are self-employed. Therefore, they are in fact small individual companies, responsible for their own affairs, including the provision of a vehicle and any equipment required.
Finally, the various Acts of Parliament and other legislation is the subject of review by the Law Commission. The Commission is consulting widely.
It may well be part of the outcome of the Commission's recommendations to government, that additional security measures including CCTV will become the tools of the trade by default.
http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/Ray-B ... story.html
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