Taxi Driver Online

My initial thought was that don't think I'd be using my motor to block a drunk driver, for all sorts of reasons, although might phone police if the evidence was pretty conclusive...

Anyway, the article gets crazier and crazier, and descends into that kind of stuff about everyone in the trade being on some sort of 'journey', and by journey I don't mean Tesco's to Acacia Avenue


ABC Taxis cabbie stops suspected drink driver in Benfleet

https://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/239488 ... high-road/


Image: Echo News

A TAXI driver has been praised for “blocking in” a suspected drink driver in Benfleet and taking the motorist’s keys.

Accountant Mohammad Ali Shah, 29, who is also driver with ABC Taxis, based in Church Road, was driving a passenger on High Road, near the Anchor pub, at 11pm on Saturday when he became “very concerned” about another vehicle.

Mohammed said he immediately “flashed the car and used his vehicle to block the car in to prevent him continuing on his journey” before taking the driver's keys to ensure he could not drive.

The 29-year-old said: “It happened at the busiest time, and I knew that if I did nothing about the driver, something bad could’ve happened.

“It was scary and heartbreaking because it was right in High Road and given it was Saturday night, it was full of people using the pubs.

"The keys were given to police, when they arrived at around 12am, and I gave the driver a lift back to where he lives in Amid Road, Canvey.

“For me, I didn’t think twice about it. It’s human nature and instinct to help and do something to keep everyone safe.

“I feel happy and really proud that I made people realise what humanity is, but for me, knowing people were safe is the most important thing.

“Becoming a taxi driver has made me stronger, in terms of not getting emotional, such as when a woman nearly jumped out of my cab while driving after a fight.

“I love my job.”

Mohammed suspected that the driver was “intoxicated”.

A spokesman for Essex Police said the force had received a report of the incident and inquiries ongoing.

It is understood that no one has yet been arrested in relation to the incident.

The passenger emailed the firm to praise Mohammed, which left everyone feeling surprised and “so proud”.

Michael Hannan, owner of ABC Taxis, said: “We’re absolutely so proud of him, and the lady that emailed us to say what happened left some of my staff in tears.

“We’re a family, and our friends are on the road at all times.

“He was looking out for all his friends.

“It’s amazing what Mohammed did, and we’re just so proud of him.”

A bit late for that, methinks

We have the police for good reason.

We have cab drivers for good reason.

The two should never be confused.

_________________
IDFIMH

And, of course, the archetypal 'taxi' driver who moans about other people's driving, but is then photographed on double yellows and on the pavement

Of course, it's impossible to be the perfect textbook driver, but sometimes drivers in the trade could try a bit harder, because it's that kind of thing that the public comment about, and tar us all with the same brush.

And, of course, it's so commonplace that I'd fiddled about with and looked at the photo a couple of times before even noticing the parking angle

And, for what it's worth, the high-res photo reveals that the licensing council is Castle Point:

https://www.echo-news.co.uk/resources/images/17485373