March 23, 2007
Taxi drivers live in fear of attack
By Suzanne Black
TAXI drivers in Malvern are living in fear of drunk and violent passengers.
Cab firms in the town have told how people have become more aggressive since the new licensing laws were introduced more than a year ago.
The reaction follows an incident in which a driver was beaten up by four passengers in Malvern Link at the weekend - the second cabbie to have been attacked in the town in less than six months.
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Mr Miah, who would not give his full name for fear of repercussions, had the glass panel of his cab smashed and was punched repeatedly in the back of the head when he was lured into the a quiet cul-de-sac on the Spring Lane Industrial Estate.
Last October, cabbie Muhammad Jamil was knocked unconscious in Blackmore Road when he confronted a man who tried to avoid paying his fare.
“Evil drink is the problem, there is no doubt about that, and people seem to be drinking more and more.”
Brian Pearson
The latest victim spent a day in hospital after the attack on Saturday night. He has vowed never to work in the business again. The father-of-two, who lives in Worcester, said: "They just went for me. They were like animals. I was so scared, I do not want any other taxi driver to go through what I did."
But it appears others are going through similar experiences. Nick Nugent, the owner of Great Malvern Taxis, said: "It is getting more dangerous all the time.
"Since the licensing laws changed and people are drinking later and drinking more, they have become more aggressive. I have had several incidents, from verbal abuse to threatening behaviour. It wasn't like this before."
Malvern Taxis owner Brian Pearson said: "I don't do late nights or club pick-ups now. I am very selective about who I have in the taxi.
"Evil drink is the problem, there is no doubt about that, and people seem to be drinking more and more."
Malvern police have urged drivers to be cautious about which fares they accept, but have insisted that with the right precautions, the town is a safe place to work.
Sgt Sara Goodman said: "These appear to be isolated incidents, and while taxi drivers have a horrible job, Malvern is, on the whole, a safe place for them.
"They should, of course, report crimes if they are committed as we take these very seriously."
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