Taxi Driver Online

Worried taxi drivers to stay off the roads


TAXI drivers have vowed to stay off the roads on Saturday during the controversial English Defence League protest.

Some of the borough’s biggest firms have said phone lines will be switched off from for 24 hours from 6am on Saturday — and the shutdown could extend to Friday night.

They have taken the decision over fears that Asian drivers could become targets for yobs attracted to the rally by the English Defence League.

It comes after more than 200 taxi drivers met to discuss the issue at the 3D Centre in Bella Street, Daubhill, on Monday night.

Sajid Khan, of Bolton Private Hire Association, was greeted by loud applause when he called on all taxi drivers to stay at home.

He said: “On Saturday, don’t work. From morning until night, please stop your work.”

Police chiefs told the meeting that taxi ranks in Victoria Square, Howell Croft North, Nelson Square, Bradshawgate and outside Bolton railway station will be closed from 6am on Saturday to at least 8pm.

Others in Bridge Street, Knowsley Street, Churchgate and Manor Street may also be suspended on the day.

In an open letter to taxi drivers, Bolton police divisional commander Chief Supt Steve Hartley asked taxi drivers to consider their options on the day, though he said there was no information indicating the taxi trade was at any heightened risk.

Speaking after the meeting, Mohammed Mulla, a partner at Aba Ace Cars said: “If we worked, our drivers would be picking up passengers and they have no idea who they are or what they think. Their safety is at risk.

“They earn about £70 a shift. Is it really worth it if, halfway through that shift, some idiot smashes their windscreen?”

Mr Mulla said the firms who had agreed to turn off their phones on Saturday are United/AAA Cars, Haslam Private Hire, A1 Cars, Lever Cars, Orlando Cars, Heaton Cars and Express Cars. Together, they work with about 330 self-employed drivers.

Mr Mulla added: “Our firm will lose about £1,000 in takings, but safety has to come first."

source:
http://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/news/districtnews/

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

Freedom of speech in action. God bless democracy.

Might be a lot less illegal plying for hire in Bolton this weekend

CC

_________________
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

Sad as that maybe .......Bet all the white English drivers will be working though..... and making a killing......

Not the best choice of words in the circumstances.

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Grandad,

True though....

Mmmm I bet the white lads will be making extensions to their money bags.

Yes you are probably right, what is wrong with that?

I hope they extend the marches across the country.

Especially Fri/Sat nights 52 times a year!!

All roads lead to Bolton
by Viv Smith

The wave of opposition to the racist English Defence League’s march in Bolton this Saturday is growing as hundreds activists make their final push to build the Unite Against Fascism counter demonstration.

Many Bolton taxi drivers have decided not to work on Saturday.

Bolton Private Hire Association said that 20 firms will close from 6pm Friday to 6am Sunday, despite Saturday being a big wage night.

Sajid Khan from the BPHA, said, “We are disappointed that we have to take these measures. But this a safety issue for our drivers and passengers.”

Drivers from other companies have said they will not be working, making it likely that other firms follow suit.

And Charles Oakes, of the Hackney Drivers Association, said he is recommending that members to the same as a show of support to their private hire colleagues.

“I will be writing to them to ask them to support this action,” he said. “If Saturday passes off peacefully, which we hope it will, I will be the first to apologise to the customers who have been inconvenienced.”

Taxi drivers are right to fear for their safety. Black and Asian drivers have reported harassment and abuse by EDL thugs at every demonstration.

First Bus drivers in Bolton also have safety concerns.

Bill Killiner, vice chair of the drivers’ Unite union, told Socialist Worker, “We are particularly concerned about the safety of Asian drivers whose routes take them through the town centre. Management are facilitating requests for alternative routes for drivers who want to avoid the city centre.”

Some shopkeepers are closing up for the day—some because they want to join the UAF protest, others out of fear of attack by the EDL.

Activists have been running daily stalls and leafleting across the North West and are planning to assemble from 9am at Victoria Square in Bolton to ensure that the streets are kept safe from the EDL thugs.

It isn’t too late to book your transport to Bolton—coaches are coming from across the country. Visit www.uaf.org.uk to get an up to date list or ring 020 7801 2782

source; http://www.socialistworker.co.uk/art.php?id=20633

_________________
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

I think he'd be better off telling them, afterall, a letter off Charley might cause confusion

CC

_________________
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

Careful CC, you know what happens when you "speak of the Devil"!!!

Surprise surprise. I have seen at least four of those "worried" private hire companies working this morning.

I am still here.

There was about 5 hackneys working Fri and one Satuarday not from this Association, but all in all non of the town center firms were working.

and i did send a letter, and yes there was a few spelling mistakss, but i dont care now my trademark.

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C. Oakes


The Hackney Association Ltd
bbha@btinternet.com