Chelmsford cabbies call for help with night-time revellers

FURIOUS Chelmsford taxi drivers are urging police to give them more protection at night and are calling for greater CCTV coverage.

Their pleas come after a passenger did a “runner” to avoid a £36 fare, a week after police issued the image (right) of a man accused of hiding in a bush to avoid paying a cabbie £13.

They are also fed-up with the levels of abuse and physical violence they receive from revellers on a night out.

Former taxi association secretary and treasurer Terry Michel said: “I think the abuse has got worse. People have enough money to get drunk but not to pay for a journey home. If they think they can pull a fast one, they will.”

The 43-year-old cabbie, from Witham, said: “The CCTV coverage is just farcical. There are far too many people doing runners.”

Driver Barry Palmer, 59, of Station Cars, said: “The police ought to be a bit more helpful and a bit more co-operative. I know it’s hard with their cutbacks but we need it.”

Nigel Kett, an independent driver, said he was sick of being abused and attacked. “We spoke to the council about CCTV coverage and as far as they’re concerned it’s fine,” said the 50-year-old. “We need more fixed CCTV cameras – and fixed inside the taxis.”

In September, he said a fellow cabbie, the father of a policeman, was attacked by a late-night drinker with a piece of wood.

But just this Monday, Chelmsford City Council won a Purple Flag, an award for its management of the night-time economy.

On Wednesday, March 27, a man escaped his fare by hiding in a bush after being picked up outside Evoke nightclub, shortly before midnight.

He said he wanted to go to Newlands Spring, but asked to stop at Morrisons in Melbourne to withdraw money.

Police have released this CCTV image of a suspect, wearing a white T-shirt and blue jeans, who is described as white, aged in his late 20s to early 30s.

There are already CCTV cameras behind and in front of the station taxi rank, and one on the Springfield Road roundabout by Argos, where taxis often collect fares.

Chelmsford City Council is willing to set-up an in-car radio with the CCTV unit if taxi drivers can help pay for it.

If you can identify the man in the image, call Chelmsford police station on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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