We must act now for taxi safety says East Leeds Councillor

2.31.11pm GMT Mon 15th Jan 2007

Cllr Javaid Akhtar

Following a spate of attacks on taxi drivers in East Leeds this weekend, Gipton & Harehills Councillor Javaid Akhtar has called for an urgent meeting to deal with the growing problem of violence against cabbies. The meeting has been arranged for tomorrow (16/01/07) and will be attended by representatives from West Yorkshire Police Authority and Leeds City Council. Councillor Akhtar has said it is vital that all parties work together to find ways of improving both driver and passenger safety.

Councillor Javaid Akhtar, (Lib Dem, Gipton & Harehills) said, "Following the attacks in both Gipton and Seacroft this weekend, the need for greater safety measures for both taxi drivers and the public is more pressing than ever. It seems that taxis are being deliberately targeted in East Leeds for desirable items such as mobile phones and satellite navigation systems. This problem does not only affect the driver of the cab but any passenger who may be in the taxi when an attack takes place.

Councillor Akhtar added, "As a councillor for Gipton and Harehills I will work hard to ensure that East Leeds does not become a no-go area for taxis, and that goes for any other part of city. That's why improved safety measures need to be put in place as soon as possible, to stop these thugs getting the upper hand."