Taxi Driver Online

Police chief warns over road intimidation

The city's top traffic policeman is warning bus and taxi drivers to stop deliberately driving at pedestrians. Inspector Phil Clarke has drawn up a hit list of problems on the road in a "zero tolerance" campaign to stop people being killed or injured.

He painted a worrying picture of lawlessness on the streets of Brighton and Hove, saying some professional drivers deliberately intimidate other road users.

Cyclists who ignore red lights, drivers who use their mobile phones and people who cross the road without looking are also being targeted. Insp Clarke is appealing for road users to end the anarchy and help cut the number of accidents in the city.

He said buses and taxis are often involved when people are knocked down. But taxi and bus companies defended their driving standards.

Officers believe they can only cut the number of people killed or seriously injured on the roads if drivers change their ways. Insp Clarke has written to firms including Brighton and Hove Bus and Coach Company pointing out the need for safe driving.

He said: "I am appealing for all the city's road users to adopt a more responsible attitude. "This means pedestrians concentrating on crossing the road, not their mobile phones or Mp3 players, cyclists recognising that red traffic lights apply to them and all drivers, but especially those of buses and taxis, exercising a bit more restraint."

"The practice of deliberately driving at or trying to intimidate those who get in their way needs to stop." However, public transport bosses say crowded streets and roadworks make their jobs more difficult.

Bus and taxi drivers were not alone in coming in for criticism. Insp Clarke said bus passengers have been injured when pedestrians and cyclists have forced drivers to brake sharply.

City councillor and Green party transport spokesman Councillor Ian Davey said the behaviour of some bus and taxi drivers frightened people away from cycling. He said: "While some bus and taxi drivers are excellent, others are not."

Mike Hildred, operations manager of Brighton and Hove Radio Cabs, said: "I would refute what he is saying because 99 per cent of taxi drivers in Brighton are good. It is hard to become a taxi driver because the standards set are so high."

Roger French, managing director of Brighton and Hove Bus and Coach Company, said: "We are proud of our safety record and think our drivers do a fantastic job in very difficult traffic conditions. "Any instance where a driver hasn't performed properly is always pursued."

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IDFIMH

I've got a feeling this copper has dropped a rather large bo***** with these comments.

I guess a number of formal complaints are on their way to his Chief Constable.

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IDFIMH

If things are as bad as this chap makes out, why has he not sent officers to take action against the bad ones. I would guess that like many towns and cities Brighton has plenty of CCTV cameras that are being monitored.

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Grandad,

They want to crack down on jaywalking muppets on their cellphones, stepping off kerbs without looking.

I have always said - bring in the Jaywalking law - problem solved and those who are contemptuous of traffic will have their pockets felt

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if you cannot be yourself, then who can you be.

If the copper has evidence of wrongdoings then best he gets those baddies before the courts, if he hasn't then best he keeps his big fat gob shut.

I have a feeling in my blood that that copper will never make such a comment about the trade again.

I look forward to putting up his apology.

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IDFIMH

I have to wonder how many of his collegues share his opinion, even if they have the good sense to keep it to themselves?

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