COPS AND CABBIES MOVE IN RIGHT DIRECTION

22-08-2009

Following the murder of Birmingham cabbie Mohammed Arshad, The Stirrer reported on complaints by private hire drivers that West Midlands police weren’t taking their concerns seriously. Now, it seems, things are moving in the right direction.

Taxi drivers spokesman Waseem Zaffar told us recently that racist attacks and insults were often not reported because of a lack of confidence in the police. Likewise incidents of passengers “doing a runner” without paying their fares.

Mr Arshad’s death has proved to be a catalyst for a series of meetings, and Waseem is now much more positive.

He said: “I have been critical of the engagement of West Midlands Police with the taxi sector, and they have accepted the criticism by apologising to us for the inconsistent approach and the loss of confidence of drivers.

“I was very keen to find out what practical interventions the Police would bring in to build bridges with us. I have been pleasantly surprised.

“We had a focus group meeting with a dozen or so trade reps from across Birmingham last week where we had frank, open, honest discussions on the policing around Private Hire drivers.

“The best thing to come out of this meeting is that the police want the trade reps including drivers and operators, to advise and guide the police in drawing up the policy on how to deal with the taxi sector. This is real engagement.

“We will be bringing other trade reps on board for the next meeting including our Hackney Carriage colleagues in Birmingham, and private hire and hackney carriage trade reps from other licensing authorities that West Midlands Police cover.

“We have started to discuss communication channels between Police and trade and how they can be improved, safety training for drivers, and the protocols and procedures for making reporting of crime easier for drivers.

“Our relationship with the Police is not perfect, but we have made great in-roads in working together to make it safer and more secure for private hire drivers to earn a living on the streets of this great city.”

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