Scunthorpe taxis could be taken off roads as abuse and attacks leave drivers 'scared to do their jobs'https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/news ... ds-3434038Taxi drivers have threatened to withdraw services after an escalation in abuse and damage to their vehicles
Image: David Haber/Scunthorpe TelegraphFed-up Scunthorpe taxi drivers say they are prepared to take their cars off the roads in protest after becoming the target of persistent abuse and anti-social behaviour.
Cabbies have joined forces to speak out after suffering a torrent of verbal and physical abuse, as well as damage to their vehicles.
They claim the abuse and damage has escalated over the last few months, with some saying they try to avoid certain roads in Scunthorpe for fear of what could happen to them.
Others say they have had to spend thousands of pounds of their own money to repair their vehicles, only to then have gangs of youths throw objects at them once again, causing more damage.
Now, drivers say they are considering withdrawing their services at the peak time of Saturday nights between midnight and 5am - when they would usually be busy taking revellers home from the town centre - if the abuse continues.
Elizabeth McClury, secretary of the North Lincolnshire Taxi Association, said many drivers had told her they were scared to do their jobs and felt a stand needed to be made.
She said: "Obviously, we do not want to strike. We provide a service for the people of this town and we're happy to do that.
"But we have to make a stand. Our drivers do not feel safe. They are being attacked physically and verbally. That isn't fair.
"All people you see here are hard-working, genuine people who enjoy their jobs. But these young people who attack them and their vehicles make them hate it - they're making us want to protest.
"If things do not change, and soon, a protest will be announced and all of our drivers will be off the road."
She said: "Obviously, we do not want to strike. We provide a service for the people of this town and we're happy to do that.
"But we have to make a stand. Our drivers do not feel safe. They are being attacked physically and verbally. That isn't fair.
"All people you see here are hard-working, genuine people who enjoy their jobs. But these young people who attack them and their vehicles make them hate it - they're making us want to protest.
"If things do not change, and soon, a protest will be announced and all of our drivers will be off the road."
One driver, who did not wish to be named, said: "We've all had enough. We just want to be able to do our jobs and feel safe.
"We do not feel safe. None of us here feel safe in our place of work.
"People throw rocks and other objects at us and our vehicles. They have said horrible, disgusting things to us for no reason - it makes us sad."
Another driver added: "Sometimes paying for the damage to our vehicles costs more to fix than what we get paid. I can't afford to live like this.
"We feel like we are not respected for the services we provide - it's not fair, it really is not fair.
"Why do they do it? I do not understand."
Another taxi driver said he had to spend over £13,000 of his own money to purchase a new vehicle, only to have it vandalised and targeted just a few days later.
He said: "People see the white car with a taxi sign and know they can get away with it. Throw whatever they can and run away.
"What would happen if the rock goes threw the car and hits me whilst I'm driving? And how am I supposed to afford to pay for these damages?
"We all have families to feed. We want to do our jobs and go home. But we can't do that while feeling safe.
"Sometimes, I feel like I have to drive through on a red light at some places because if I stop, I am a target."
A fourth driver added: "It needs to change. These people rely on us to give them lifts home when they are unable to drive and we are happy to do this.
"I have driven taxis in this town for over 15 years. This has only become a real problem over the last few years but now it is really bad."
The drivers said they thought a larger police presence in the early hours of the morning was the only way to combat the gangs of youths they say are responsible for the abuse and damage.
They also said several incidents of vandalism and anti-social behaviour have been reported to police.
Local Neighbourhood Sergeant Nicola Graham, of Humberside Police, said: "I appreciate how frustrating this must be for the drivers, who are just trying to go about their work, and I would like to thank them for calling us and reporting their information.
"Criminal damage is not something that we take lightly and we are following up these reports, gathering information and reviewing CCTV where possible to identify those responsible and take appropriate action.
"The local neighbourhood team are often in the area, both to offer reassurance to the local community but also to challenge anyone behaving inappropriately, and I would encourage anyone with any concerns to come and talk to them.
"Our communities are really good at talking to us and letting us know when something is wrong which is really important, as it allows us to make sure that we have the right people in the right places at the right time to tackle issues."
For information about how to contact local police officers, go to the Humberside Police website.
Alternatively, report information by calling 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. If there is a crime in progress or someone is in danger, always call 999.
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