UNSUNG HEROES
HERO VAN DRIVER RESCUES OBLIVIOUS TAXI PASSENGERS FROM M60 VEHICLE FIRE
A modest van driver has shared how he saved a taxi driver and two passengers who were completely unaware that their vehicle had burst into flames on the M60. The driver was travelling along the motorway in Greater Manchester near Simister Island on Thursday when he spotted flames coming from the cab. Acting quickly, he pulled up alongside the taxi to warn the driver. “I drove near him and told him he needed to pull over - he was not aware of the fire,” the van driver said. After the taxi pulled over, the van driver jumped in to help, noting that one of the two passengers was disabled. He safely helped everyone out of the burning
vehicle and called 999. To ensure their safety, he loaded all three people into his own van and drove them to a secure area away from the blaze to wait for emergency services. “I was amazed how quickly the firefighters
arrived,” he later remarked. According to the rescuer, the taxi driver appeared to be around 20 years old and had noticed a warning light before the fire took hold. “He said he noticed a problem with his oil light but thought he could leave the motorway at the next services,” the van driver explained. The young driver was left shaken by the ordeal. “He was very shocked. I’m used to seeing this kind of thing on the motorway but I don’t think he has ever seen a car on fire on the motorway before,” the van driver added. Thanks to
the quick-thinking
intervention, the taxi driver and both passengers escaped the incident entirely unharmed.
BRITAIN’S ‘UNSUNG HEROES’: TAXIS HAILED AS ESSENTIAL SAFETY NET
A new study has revealed that taxi drivers are a vital lifeline for millions of people across the UK, though nearly half of the public believes these drivers don’t get the credit they deserve. According to a survey of 2,000 adults by Opinion Matters for Acorn Insurance, 82% of people consider taxi drivers essential to their local communities, acting as a reliable safety net when public transport fails or emergencies strike. The research highlights that taxis are often used for more than just convenience; they are a critical tool for independence. Around 80% of respondents noted the role drivers play in supporting
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elderly passengers and those with mobility issues. Furthermore, the human side of the job is highly valued, with over 70% of Gen Z and Millennials reporting they have turned to a taxi driver for help during a difficult or important moment in their lives. Despite this deep reliance - with 29% of people saying they would struggle to manage without them - the profession often feels over- looked. The survey found that 44% of UK adults believe drivers are underappreciated, while 31% say the role is frequently taken for granted. Mike Lloyd, Chief Executive of the Acorn Group, emphasised that drivers are “part of the fabric of
everyday life in the UK” and are there for people during the moments that matter most. “What stands out from this research is just how much people in the UK rely on taxi drivers, often without thinking about it,” Lloyd said. “Taxi drivers provide more than transport: they offer reassur- ance, consistency and a service that many people depend on to go about their daily lives.” He added that the industry has a responsibility to champion these workers. “This survey is about recognising that contribution and making sure taxi drivers across the UK get the credit they deserve,” he said.
truly JUNE 2026 PHTM
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