Taxi Driver Online

I don't know if its pure coincidence but when the Taxi trade collectively highlight a major problem the DfT seems to get of its backside and do something about it? If any of you guys live near this venue you may wish to participate and voice your own opinions in respect of Safety.

This article says 40 cabbies have been murdered by passengers over the last 15 years but I'm sure I've read stats that put the figure higher. I'll check it out?
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Halifax Courier

February 12, 2007

HEADLINE: Safety first message to cab drivers

Action call as risks increase THE 900 or so licensed taxis drivers in Calderdale have been asked to attend a meeting to learn how to stay safe. Last month, drivers asked Calderdale Council to pay for security cameras to be installed in their cabs. Instead, the council and the Health and Safety Executive have jointly organised a seminar to help them cope with dangerous and unruly passengers.

"New drivers in particular need to be made aware of the dangers and how to avoid putting themselves at risk," said Bryan Roland, of the National Private Hire Association. "This is such an important issue that the Government has just appointed a group specially to look at the safety of taxi drivers."

Over the past 15 years, 40 taxi drivers have died at the hands of their passengers in the UK. And from the beginning of this year, there have been nearly 100 press reports of attacks on taxi drivers across the country.

Mr Roland will be one of the speakers at the seminar to be held on Monday, February 26, at the Step business training centre, North Dean Business Park, Stainland Road, Halifax. Rod Russell of Transport Training Technology Ltd will give advice on training for taxi and private hire drivers. Graham Hall, who has cabinet responsibility for corporate services, said the event highlighted a serious issue and he hoped that as many drivers as possible would attend.

"National figures from the taxi and private hire industry will be giving the benefit of their experience in helping drivers to spot the danger signs," said Coun Hall (Con, Hipperholme and Lightcliffe). "This is a valuable opportunity for drivers of taxis and private hire vehicles to find out how they can be safer."

There are 765 licensed private hire drivers and 151 hackney carriage drivers in Calderdale. Steve Smithies, of the Halifax Taxi Drivers' Association, said the seminar was a good idea if it helped to educate drivers. "There have always been attacks on drivers but if is reported more often today than it was 30 or 40 years ago," he said.

In September, thugs carried out a vicious attack on a private hire driver before robbing him of his £50 takings and leaving him for dead at Pye Nest, Halifax. Last month, another driver was beaten with metal bars after picking up a fare in Queensbury.
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