According to GMB figures, there were 45 serious attacks on licensed minicab drivers by passengers between April and December 2007. Nine of those drivers attacked were killed.
It claims that there is evidence that CCTV cameras can reduce violence against drivers, pointing to research suggesting that since the introduction of CCTV cameras into Sheffield’s cabs there has been a 72 percent reduction in attacks on drivers.
The union is calling for public authorities to introduce tax incentives to enable CCTV and shields to be fitted into all licensed minicabs.
Additionally, it is calling on minicab firms to provided training on how to spot trouble in advance.
Terence Flanagan, GMB Branch secretary of the Professional Drivers Branch said, “The GMB Professional Drivers Branch has decided that immediate action must be taken as a result of the severe risks to their lives and limbs those GMB members who drive mini cabs face on a daily basis.”
He added: “The installation of CCTV will have the added benefit of protecting passengers such as women travelling on their own who have themselves been subject to attacks by illegal unlicensed drivers.”