Call for CCTV to be fitted in taxis after drink-fuelled attacks DRINK-fuelled violence is deterring people from going out, according to Humberside Police And Crime Commissioner Matthew Grove.
After reading about two attacks on taxi drivers within hours of each other in North East Lincolnshire in the Grimsby Telegraph, Mr Grove said: "It has to stop."
The call was echoed by union representatives who have called for CCTV to be fitted in cabs.
The move follows two separate attacks on drivers.
One taxi driver suffered multiple cuts and bruises after he requested payment from a fare dodger in Waltham.
That attack happened in Danesfield Avenue, Waltham, at around 1.30am on Sunday.
Five hours later another taxi driver said he was surrounded by a mob in Cleethorpes High Street in a separate incident.
The driver said he was quitting his job because of repeated abuse, attacks and fare dodgers.
Mr Grove said: "Once again we read shocking examples of the damage that alcohol-fuelled violence is doing on our streets. Increased safety in our night-time economy and confronting irresponsible and drunken behaviour are a key part of my plans. I am also tired of reading reports from court of offenders' legal representatives using the fact their client was under the influence of drink or drugs as an excuse for their loutish criminal behaviour. It has to stop.
"These attacks on innocent people trying to earn a living are just one part of a bigger issue which is damaging our town centres and deterring law abiding members of the community from enjoying a night out.
"I am keen to see the expansion of taxi in-car CCTV to deter offences and increase convictions. We must continue to crack down on anyone who assaults another person, particularly those who are just doing their job."
Susan Barss, 50,a taxi driver for more than 30 years in Grimsby, is pressing for drivers to join the taxi arm of trade union Unite in the wake of the attacks.
Susan has been attacked three times in the past year and believes that more drivers need to join the union to give them more power to push for additional safety measures.
She said: "I have been attacked myself and I know how these drivers feel.
"If we can get more drivers to join the union then it means we have a better chance of making our voices heard.
"At the moment it is just word of mouth and a lot of drivers don't know they can join the union, but we are trying to get the word out there even more now.
"Joining the union means drivers can make sure they can still get some money, for example, if they are attacked and are unable to work for a while.
"We are pushing to get cameras in every taxi to help with safety and we are hoping a union with more drivers will help us to fight on that score."
Drivers interested can contact Susan on 01472 352591 or James Clarke, a representative for the union, on 01472 598022.
Read more:
http://www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk/CCTV-fit ... z2hZo8YfGj
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