Cabbies vow to stay off roads (From Asian Image)

Cabbies vow to stay off roads

3:20pm Wednesday 17th March 2010 in

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Taxi drivers have vowed to stay off the roads on Saturday during the controversial English Defence League protest.

Some of the borough’s biggest firms have said phone lines will be switched off from for 24 hours from 6am on Saturday — and the shutdown could extend to Friday night.

They have taken the decision over fears that Asian drivers could become targets for yobs attracted to the rally by the English Defence League.

It comes after more than 200 taxi drivers met to discuss the issue at the 3D Centre in Bella Street, Daubhill, on Monday night.

Sajid Khan, of Bolton Private Hire Association, was greeted by loud applause when he called on all taxi drivers to stay at home.

He said: “On Saturday, don’t work. From morning until night, please stop your work.”

Police chiefs told the meeting that taxi ranks in Victoria Square, Howell Croft North, Nelson Square, Bradshawgate and outside Bolton railway station will be closed from 6am on Saturday to at least 8pm.

Others in Bridge Street, Knowsley Street, Churchgate and Manor Street may also be suspended on the day.

In an open letter to taxi drivers, Bolton police divisional commander Chief Supt Steve Hartley asked taxi drivers to consider their options on the day, though he said there was no information indicating the taxi trade was at any heightened risk.

Speaking after the meeting, Mohammed Mulla, a partner at Aba Ace Cars said: “If we worked, our drivers would be picking up passengers and they have no idea who they are or what they think. Their safety is at risk.

“They earn about £70 a shift. Is it really worth it if, halfway through that shift, some idiot smashes their windscreen?”

Mr Mulla said the firms who had agreed to turn off their phones on Saturday are United/AAA Cars, Haslam Private Hire, A1 Cars, Lever Cars, Orlando Cars, Heaton Cars and Express Cars. Together, they work with about 330 self-employed drivers.

Mr Mulla added: “Our firm will lose about £1,000 in takings, but safety has to come first.”