At least three Isle of Wight taxi firms have chosen to boycott Newport Taxi Ranks from midnight on Friday and Saturdays.
The decision follows the brutal assault on three taxi drivers last weekend.
Amar taxis, Thompson’s Taxis, Alpha cars, and AK taxis have all stated on social media that they will not service the Newport Taxi Ranks after midnight at weekends, but all stress they will continue to take phone bookings.
Supporting fellow taxi drivers
The owners of Amar taxis said,
“We the owners of Amar taxis have made the decision to pull our taxis off Newport ranks and not service Newport ranks from midnight on Friday and Saturday evenings as of Friday 15th April in support of our fellow taxi drivers who were assaulted last weekend.
“People seemed to have forgotten the taxi driver killed about 20 years ago in the cut by Somerton Middle school (now Lanes End Primary, Cowes). We hope every taxi driver backs this mutual decision for Newport.”
Meanwhile Thompson’s told their customers,
“It is with deep regret that we as a taxi company have decided to not serve any Newport ranks this weekend, starting Friday 15th and Saturday 16th after midnight, in deep support of our colleagues that were attacked last week end.
“There are are increasing amount of female drivers working now and there is no way that they or any one else should be subjected to such violence. We are always there to provide a service and would like to continue to do so but in a safe working condition.”
Alpha cars have also decided to support those who were attacked, they said,
“Alpha Cars have today made the decision to support our Taxi driver friends, we too will not be servicing any of the Newport Taxi ranks from midnight on Friday 15th and Saturday 16th April.”
Police appeal
Police are appealing for the person who filmed the vicious assault to get in touch with them so the video can become part of the evidence against the assailants.
Police are appealing for anyone with information to call them on 101 and quote reference number 4416 013 5589.
