New measure will help protect drivers
A SECURITY screen that promises to make life safer for thousands of private hire taxi drivers is being launched from a Black Country trading estate in the heart of the West Midlands.
Cab Safe Security Solutions has won exclusive distribution rights in the UK and Ireland to install and distribute a protective screen for private hire vehicles that protects drivers from the risk of attack from rear seat passengers.
The screen, manufactured in Spain, is individually designed for a range of popular private hire vehicles and protects from floor to roof level.
Cab Safe has already gained licensing approval in Birmingham and is in the process of securing approval from local authorities throughout the West Midlands and other parts of the UK.
“Taxi operators are constantly at threat from aggressive and anti-social behaviour from passengers. Assaults of varying levels of severity and non-payment of fares are regular occurrences and too often regarded by drivers as an “occupational hazard,” said Hussan Ahktar, managing director of the business that has its UK headquarters on the Cadec Trading Estate in Smethwick.
“Drivers are especially vulnerable to attack from passengers sitting in the back seat. It is difficult to quantify the number of attacks as many go unreported. The screen will protect drivers, give them peace of mind and deter fares that may have mischief in mind.
“We will start in the West Midlands where there are 20,000 private hire taxis and then take the operation nationwide. There is a huge market with an estimated 300,000 private hire vehicles throughout the UK.”
Cab Safe will launch the screen at an opening event at their offices and workshop on the Cadec Trading Estate in Beakes Road, Smethwick on Saturday, August 30. Guests will include the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Chauhdry Abul Rashid and the Lord Mayor of Sandwell, Councillor Robert Price.
