IN THE NEWS
ABC TAXIS DRIVER STOPS SUSPECTED DRINK DRIVER IN BENFLEET
A private hire driver has been praised for “blocking in” a suspected drink driver in Benfleet and taking the motorist’s keys. Accountant Mohammad Ali Shah, 29, who is also driver with ABC Taxis, was driving a passenger at 11pm on Saturday 25 November, when he became “very concerned” about another vehicle. Mohammed said he immediately “flashed the car and used his vehicle to block the car in to prevent him continuing on his journey” before taking the driver's keys to ensure he could not drive. The 29-year-old said: “It happened at the busiest time, and I knew that if I did nothing then some- thing bad could’ve happened.
humanity is, but for me, knowing people were safe is the most important thing.” Mohammed suspected that the driver was “intoxicated”. A spokesman for Essex Police said the force had received a report of the incident and inquiries are ongoing.
"The keys were given to police, when they arrived and I gave the driver a lift back to where he lives. “For me, I didn’t think twice about it. It’s human nature and instinct to help and do something to keep everyone safe. “I feel happy and really proud that I made people realise what
The passenger emailed the firm to praise Mohammed. Michael Hannan, owner of ABC Taxis, said: “We’re so proud of him, and the lady that emailed us to say what happened left some of my staff in tears. We’re a family, and our friends are on the road at all times so he was looking out for them. “It’s amazing what Mohammed did, and we’re so proud of him.”
IPSWICH TAXI DRIVER CALLS FOR POLICE TO TACKLE FARE DODGING
An Ipswich taxi driver tired with the frequency of fare dodging has received an apology after “inad- equate” support from police. Mohammed Ullah has complained each time he has called police after customers failed to pay. The 42- year-old was told fare dodging was a civil rather than criminal matter and given no help. In August he wrote to the Police and Crime Commissioner for Suffolk, Tim Passmore, and cited legislation to show it was criminal but still could not get help. Mr Ullah wrote: “Unfortunately, the support I expected from the Suffolk Police has been absent, leading me to escalate this matter to an official complaint.”
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His has been supported by Ipswich councillor, Ruman Muhith, who argued Mr Passmore needs to work with Chief Constable Rachel Kearton to deal with fare dodgers. Cllr Muhith said: “This issue, although operational, demands joint cooperation between the Suffolk PCC and the Suffolk Police Chief Constable. It is crucial to ensure a robust understanding of relevant legislation among police officers and call operators. “If the PCC and the Chief Constable work closely in consultation with both taxi drivers and taxi operators, this can lead to effective strategies that deter such offences.” A Suffolk Constabulary spokesman
said: “We have spoken to Mr Ullah and now that we have more detail we will be listening to the call and if required we will pass on any learning individually and or organisationally. “We have apologised to Mr Ullah if the service fell below the expected standard. We have also discussed the online reporting tool available on the Suffolk police website as well as reassurance that we do take these offences seriously.” In addition, the PCC said he understood why such an issue “causes such concern”. Mr Passmore said: “It is quite outrageous that anyone trying to earn a decent living should be repeatedly hindered in this way.”
DECEMBER 2023 PHTM
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