Sheffield taxi attacks: Taxi drivers 'refusing to serve parts of city' over violent attacks
Parts of Sheffield are becoming no-go areas for taxis, amid concerns over violence and attacks, drivers have warned.
It comes as Sheffield city councillor Mark Rusling met with cabbies and called for an end to violence against drivers in the city, amid concerns that recent months have seen an increase in attacks.
Reported incidents have included drivers being attacked with bricks and other missiles, with one driver describing having his windscreen smashed.
Another had a brick dropped onto his car while driving underneath a bridge, and drivers have been forced to stop working because their cars have been damaged. Drivers and passengers have also narrowly avoided serious injury in some of the incidents.
Coun Rusling says the problem is getting worse, with drivers now refusing to serve some parts of the city because of the risk of being attacked.
The drivers have joined with Coun Rusling, who represents Shiregreen and Brightside, to say ‘enough is enough’. They are calling on the police to increase patrols in hotspot areas, and are asking parents to warn their children about the dangers of attacking taxis.
Coun Rusling said: “I was absolutely shocked to hear of the dangers that taxi drivers are facing just for doing their job. It is an utter disgrace.
“Drivers are a vital part of our city’s community and have the right to go about their work without fear of being attacked with stones and bricks.”
Hafeas Rehman, chairman of the Sheffield Taxi Trade Association, said: “Every driver in Sheffield will have experienced violence, and the problem is getting worse.
“Attacks on drivers are happening every week and this has to stop. If the violence continues, it is only a matter of time before somebody gets seriously hurt.”
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Coun Rusling said drivers were attacked with missiles on Shiregreen Lane over the Christmas period, and they recently reported being attacked in Birley, City Road, Woodthorpe Road and around the railway station.
Drivers report attacks on many evenings during the week, with increased attacks on Friday and Saturday nights, he said.
South Yorkshire Police have been approached for comment.