Taxi Driver Online

Town taxi drivers sign up to police safety scheme






A NEW taxi watch scheme is being launched across Banbury today (Thursday) in a bid to keep both drivers and customers safe.

Cherwell Taxi Watch Scheme is a joint initiative by Thames Valley Police and Cherwell District Council and is similar to the Neighbourhood Watch scheme.

Approximately 60 Hackney carriage drivers are signed up to the scheme across Banbury and Bicester, along with private hire firms Cherwell Cars and Village Cars. Those taking part will have a sticker displayed in their vehicles.

Sergeant Katrina Hibbert said: “Taxi drivers are the eyes and ears of the community through their excellent working knowledge of the area. In this way they can be more vigilant and assist us to reduce and detect crime in Cherwell.”

Members of the watch scheme will receive information from the police about incidents that are relevant to them and the drivers will have a direct radio link connecting them to the council’s CCTV suite, police and other members of the Cherwell Crime Partnership.

Drivers will have the opportunity to install a CCTV camera, provided by the council, in their cars.

“Cherwell Local Police Area has the lowest crime rate when compared to other similar police areas across the country.

“We aim to keep it that way and strive to improve by reducing crime and disorder further,” Sgt Hibbert said. “Initiatives such as Taxi Watch, working with our partners and the community help us to achieve this.”

Khalid Anjum Choudhry, chairman of North Oxfordshire Hackney Carriage Association, is very positive about the initiative.

He said: “We want to get the message across that we are co-operating with the police to prevent crimes the best we can. We also want to make sure that no-one is up to any negative activities and that customers get home safely.“

Sgt Hibbert said they will do all they can to ensure the drivers can earn a living safely.

She added: “Taxi drivers have, on occasion, become victims of people making off without paying their fare and sometimes even abuse. This is unacceptable and Thames Valley Police will take action regarding offences reported to us.”

http://www.banburyguardian.co.uk/news/l ... -1-4212726

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I am more than surprised that the above has not been installed across the country. Many a time I have said to others that I believe that we see more than the Police! purely down to the fact that many will stop what they are doing when they see a uniform - whereas we are just part of the scenery.

It could be an interesting avenue to explore with the police having to make cutbacks, i.e less uniforms out on the streets. I am thinking as to whether they would consider installing free CCTV in cabs (it is cost effective) in return for extra eyes to compensate for less on the beat.

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