Police pledge to work with taxi drivers over Christmas period

Police will be working with taxi drivers over Christmas and New Year to reduce crime and make sure people get home safely.

During the Christmas period when people are drinking and socialising more there is a wider chance of assaults and antisocial behaviour aimed at taxi drivers.

The partnership aims to reduce the levels of abuse and antisocial behaviour and bringing to justice the small group of individuals that continue to spoil it for others.

Chief Inspector Richard Butterworth said: “The police will not tolerate criminal offences or antisocial behaviour against hackney carriage taxi and private hire drivers and will work hard to bring the full weight of the law against those who wish to cause problems for those going about their business.”

“It is always a minority who cause problems as the vast majority of people respect the service that is offered and are grateful to be able to call a hackney carriage taxi or private hire after a night out in the town.”

“I’m looking forward to working closely with drivers’ representatives to ensure that they enjoy a safe working environment.”

Mr Sajid Bostan, vice chairman of the Rotherham Private Hire Drivers Association said it was a minority of people who subject drivers to abuse.

“It’s this minority that spoils it for everyone. Hackney carriage taxi and private hire firms are keen to work with the police to ensure drivers are safe during the festive period and beyond.”

“We want everyone to have a good time and the drivers provide a valuable service to the town and Rotherham area.”

There will be increased patrols on the look out for drink drivers, so the advise is to use public transport or take a taxi.

Taxi drivers are also being encouraged to report and support convictions.

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