Taxi Driver Online

Second Llanelli taxi driver assault prompts new CCTV calls

THE second assault on a Llanelli taxi driver in a four-month period has prompted renewed calls for CCTV in all cabs.

Mastercabs driver Keith Phillips had dropped off a fare near the Mount Pleasant pub on Felinfoel Road and had parked up to have a quick cigarette at around 7.30pm on Tuesday, January 20.

A man in his 30s approached the taxi driver to ask for a light, then as the driver turned around he claimed he was hit across the face.

"I'd just dropped a guy off then gone for a smoke and this man approached me asking for a light," said Mr Phillips.

"I turned round and the next thing I knew I was struck across the face. It wasn't a punch it was something sharp and my forehead was bleeding.

"I've still got a pounding headache and I was a bit shaken up by it to be honest."

Paul Roberts of Mastercabs said his driver had been advised to go to hospital but decided against it.

"This is the second time one of our drivers has been assaulted," he said.

"I really feel we need CCTV in the cabs now to protect drivers. They have it on buses and trains but licensed taxis are a form of public transport too so the council should look to at least make a contribution towards it."

In September, a 68-year-old taxi driver was attacked by three men following a dispute over a fare on the Avenue in Llwynhendy.

Despite an extensive police search no one has been charged in relation to that attack.

At the time, Mr Roberts called for CCTV in taxis and said this latest incident adds weight to the calls.

Cameras are believed to cost in the region of £200 to £300 to install in a single taxi.

However Carmarthenshire Council stated while it has no issue with drivers putting CCTV in their cabs, it is not in a position to pay for the cost itself.

The council's public health services manager, Sue Watts, said: "Taxi firms and individual Hackney Carriage License holders can install CCTV in their own vehicles so long as they abide by appropriate data protection laws. We regret that the local authority cannot cover this cost, which would have to be met by the business owner."

Police are encouraging witnesses to come forward to help police with their inquiries.

Can you help? If you have any information call PC 695 Jones on 101.


Read more: http://www.llanellistar.co.uk/Second-Ll ... z3Q7123hDZ

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

Of course if the driver was smoking outside the vehicle - like he is supposed to - a camera would be useless

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

Ditto.

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Common sense........is just not that Common.

FFS don't tell the loons in the GMB about that.

They would much rather drivers get attacked and accused falsely than allow compulsory CCTV.

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IDFIMH