Demand for action over taxi assaults (From Keighley News)

Demand for action over taxi assaults

10:22am Friday 9th May 2008 in News By Keighley News reporter

The Government has come under pressure to address assaults on taxi drivers.

In a debate in Westminster, ministers were told of incidents across the country where drivers were verbally or physically attacked or even killed while trying to earn a living.

In April 2006, Keighley taxi driver Mahmood Ahmed, a father of six, was beaten and stabbed to death. His body was found in Slack Lane, Oakworth.

In February last year, Michael Metcalfe, 46, was jailed for life for his murder.

Many more taxi drivers in the district have been robbed and attacked.

In a letter to Home Office minister Vernon Coaker, Cullingworth and Denholme MP Philip Davies said: "I was horrified to hear of some of the situations taxi drivers are facing.

"This is something that should not be tolerated.

"It is quite clear the Home Office and the police need to take it perhaps more seriously than they are doing at the moment."

In response, Mr Coaker said assaults on people going about their business were regarded as very serious.

A Government study into the personal security of private hire vehicle and taxi drivers is awaiting publication.