A group of private hire car drivers from Leeds is calling on the local police to take action against gangs of yobs who are threatening the lives of cabbies.
No Police Support say Private Hire Car Drivers
Cab drivers in the city claim that police have failed to respond to numerous complaints about yobs throwing objects at vehicles, targeting PHV’s in particular. Representatives from private hire car operators in the area have said that dozens of incidents have occurred in the last few months and that there’s been no support from the local police.
Private hire driver, Steve Johnson, commented: “About six weeks ago, I was driving up York Road and a girl threw a breeze block off the footbridge smashing my windscreen. I was driving at about 40 miles per hour and feel very lucky that I wasn’t killed.
“I rang the police and an officer came out to see me and took some details. Nothing has happened since then.”
Reducing the Opportunity
“We’re just trying to earn a living and we don’t deserve to be put at risk in this way.”
Incidents have been recorded in Halton Moor, Crossgates, Seacroft and the surrounding areas leaving drivers living in fear. Extreme suggestions such as suspending evening pick-ups are being considered as they try to work out ways to reduce the opportunity for the yobs.
Steve Howard, owner of private hire company, Wheels, said: “We’ve got a serious and dangerous problem and it’s growing.
“It seems to have escalated recently and it’s affecting our businesses and livelihoods. We’re just trying to earn a living and we don’t deserve to be put at risk in this way.”
Police Response
In response to the drivers’ protest, Leeds City Council police wanted to reassure the trade that their complaints were being dealt with. Action has been taken on suspects – including home-visits and the use of anti-social behaviour legislation.
Chief Inspector, Ian Croft, said: “Clearly these attacks on private hire vehicles are an issue of real concern and frankly it’s only down to pure luck that no-one has been seriously hurt yet.”