TERROR TIMES


DUNFERMLINE TAXI DRIVERS ENDURE ABUSE AND FARE DODGING EPIDEMIC


Taxi drivers in Dunfermline are facing an increasingly hostile environment, battling rampant verbal abuse and frequent fare dodging, leading to a significant loss of experienced drivers. The owner of a local taxi company has spoken out, revealing the severe impact these issues are having on the profession. “We don’t get any respect in society because we’re taxi drivers. It’s as if somebody with a certain type of job can say whatever they want, and we just have to shut up and listen,” the unnamed owner stated, highlighting the pervasive disrespect drivers encounter. He lamented the departure of skilled personnel, saying: “So many good drivers just don’t have the stamina to put up with it.


“Without taxi drivers, good luck when you’re drunk and you need to get home. We’re working and paying tax, but we’re bottom of the list because of our profession.” He added: “The way we’re being treated is horrible, and that’s when we have cameras. Imagine if we didn’t.” Alarmingly, the verbal abuse frequently escalates to physical violence. Recent years have seen shocking incidents, including a drunk passenger choking a taxi driver at 70mph. “I’ve got a thick skin, and so do most of my drivers, but when someone puts their hands on you, enough is enough,” the owner said. Fare dodging, however, remains the most common and frustrating issue. The owner claims that


MAN SMASHES WORCESTER TAXI WINDSCREEN WITH PAIR OF WOMENS SHOES


Police in Worcester are appeal- ing for information after an incident on St Swithin’s Street saw a taxi windscreen smashed with a pair of women’s shoes. The incident occurred around 10pm on Saturday, 12 April, leaving authorities seeking a man who they believe was in the vicinity at the time. “We would like to speak to this man as we believe he can help with our enquiries into criminal damage caused in Worcester,” stated a spokesperson for Worcester Police. “Officers are keen to speak to the man pictured as it is thought he was in the area at the time and may be able to help with enquiries.”


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support from authorities is virtually non-existent. “I’ve


reported around ten


incidents, and never had a penny back. It’s always that police can’t find the person involved,” he revealed, adding: “It all adds up, but you can’t do anything. The situation is far worse than when I started it 2017.” The lack of effective police response has left drivers feeling abandoned. “We don’t want to phone them, they come and take a statement, then it’s phone call after phone call, but nothing else,” he said. Police recently confirmed they are investigating an alleged assault on a taxi driver during a journey from Dunfermline to Rosyth, a testa- ment to the ongoing challenges faced by these essential workers.


MAN ARRESTED FOR RACIAL ABUSE AND STRANGLING GLOUCESTER CABBIE


A cabbie was reportedly throttled and subjected to racial abuse during an assault in Gloucester on May 19, at approximately 9:35pm. The attack occurred near Wall’s Roundabout on Barnwood Road. According to reports, a passenger in a black Skoda Fabia taxi began arguing with the driver before allegedly grabbing him by the neck and punching him. During the assault, the vehicle’s horn was heard repeatedly, and the taxi came to a stop just meters from traffic lights. The driver managed to pull over and get help from a passing motorist. Gloucestershire Police confirmed the arrest of the 62- year-old man on suspicion of racially aggravated common assault and non-fatal strangulation. He has been released on bail as investigations continue.


JUNE 2025 PHTM


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