Jon Trickett

Jon Trickett MP this week called on the Government to help ensure safety for taxi drivers.

The latest information collected by the GMB Professional Drivers Branch between January to April 2008 shows that there have been 15 knife attacks, 11 gun attacks and 23 attacks by other weapons on people just trying to do their jobs. This is a total of 49 attacks - 3 of which have involved women drivers. This has also led to 3 fatalities.

At a meeting in the House of Commons, called by the GMB Union, Jon said;

‘Taxi drivers, in my area, have almost become a public service and we often take this for granted. Because of the privatised bus services, routes have been cut to make sure the companies make profit. In some parts of my constituency people use taxis to get to their local Derby and Joan or get their shopping home from the supermarket’

‘It must be recognised that taxi drivers are vulnerable workers. These workers work alone and as a matter of doing their job, invite strangers into their place of work, often at night. We need to recognise and work towards preventing abuse or both a physical and verbal nature. People trying to make a living should not be subjected to intimidation or harm.’ 

Jon will continue to work with the GMB and their campaign for funding the implementation of CCTV and shields in licensed mini cabs and taxis. Other speakers at the meeting included GMB General Secretary Paul Kenney minister Rosie Winterton MP.