CONTEMPTIBLE COUNCIL
Passenger complaints: Whilst PHTM supports councils invest- igating all complaints, surely each case should be assessed on its own merits, which must include considering a taxi driver’s previous history and unblemished record, as in this scenario, before pursuing such drastic action as a court case that could end a cabbie’s career.
Dear Sirs 23 September 2024
My name is Mohammad Din and I’ve been a Birming- ham licensed hackney driver with an unblemished taxi record for the last seventeen years. I am writing this letter to the council to formally request an investigation into my treatment by your licensing team following a baseless accusation that led to a prolonged legal case which was ultimately dismissed.
BACKGROUND
On the 17 May 2023 I was working on Moor Street station taxi rank when I was approached by two lady passengers – one was in a wheelchair. As usual, I got out to help the wheelchair user access my taxi. Unfortunately the ramp got stuck, and as her wheel- chair was electric, I was unable to lift it into position.
I explained to the lady in the wheelchair that I only recently rented the taxi and had no tools to fix the ramp and so asked her to use the taxi behind; but her companion got angry, she started shouting and took a photo of me standing next to my cab.
I knew I had done nothing wrong, so thought nothing more of the matter until I received a call from the council some months later informing me that both the passenger and my fellow cabbie had reported me.
I clearly explained what happened but was still called in for an interview with members of the licensing team. I was interrogated by Janice Morrison as if I was a criminal. Her passive-aggressive bullying demeanour and presumption of my guilt made me feel victimised and scared. However, I knew I was innocent so remained polite and co-operative throughout the process.
It therefore deeply concerns me that no one in the licensing team bothered to do their due diligence in assessing the facts before going ahead and pursuing this case through the courts.
10
As the primary breadwinner for my family and a driving professional who has always adhered to the highest standards of conduct, this entire process has had a profound impact on my mental health, financial stability and peace of mind.
Over an fifteen-month period I have had to unnecessarily attend court three times.
l 25 January 2024 – only the council solicitor turned up, so after explaining my situation to the judge, the case was adjourned
l 22 April 2024 – no one turned up so the case was adjourned
l 6 September 2024 – I received an email at 4am saying the council has no evidence but that I must still attend court
l 9 September 2024 – case was dismissed
This baseless case has wasted my time and caused me a great deal of unnecessary stress. I was wrongly accused of refusing to pick up a disabled customer, a claim that has now been proven to be false. Had I been wrongly found guilty, the repercussions on my livelihood and my family’s well-being would have been devastating.
CONCLUSION
I urge Birmingham City Council to conduct a thorough investigation into this matter and request both a written apology and a formal public apology for the undue distress caused to myself and my family.
I trust that you will give this matter your urgent attention as justice and accountability are crucial for restoring trust and rectifying this unfair situation.
Yours faithfully Mohammad Din Hackney driver licence number 2337
OCTOBER 2024 PHTM
Mohammad assisting a wheelchair user
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