Taxi drivers in Colchester may refuse to head into the town centre on Saturday nights in protest over the lack of support for the night-time economy.
Chairman of Colchester Taxi Carriage Association, Tony Saunders, told the Essex County Standard that, in his view, a permanent marshal is needed to help keep revelers safe as they make their way home in the early hours of the morning.
He explained that recent incidents have left taxi drivers with grave concerns. For example recently a young woman was grabbed out of a taxi and thrown onto the pavement by two men who thought she was queue jumping. Drivers are increasingly concerned about such incidents – that could have been anyone’s daughter.
Taxi Rank Troubles
High Street club Liquid Envy is meant to provide a night marshal during its opening hours as part of its licensing agreement. Cabbies however feel the local council needs to pay for someone to be there all the time to ensure their safety and that of the people leaving clubs in the early hours.
Taxi drivers are now considering a boycott to communicate their message to the local council.
Colchester Council representative, Simon Harvey, told the Standard that the issue is being investigated and there would be a meeting scheduled to help remedy the problem. The police will also be consulted. Mr Harvey affirms that their utmost concern is keeping the public and taxi drivers safe.