In the year ending March 2020, there were 105,090 hate crimes recorded by the police in England and Wales, excluding Greater Manchester police, an increase of 8 per cent compared with year ending March 2019 (97,446 offences)
A hate crime can be defined as an offence committed against someone due to their:
race or ethnicity
religion or beliefs
sexual orientation
disability
transgender identity
A person’s race can be defined by their skin colour, nationality or ethnic or national origin. This can automatically include a person who is targeted because they are an asylum seeker or refugee. It also means crimes with a xenophobic element such as graffiti or the language a person uses when speaking to others can be recorded as a hate crime.
Taxi drivers across the country serve the general public to help them get to the places they need to go. During their day they meet and associate with a mixture of different characters, many of whom are just normal, law abiding people, however there are some people who can try to get around the rules and sometimes leave without paying or even abuse taxi drivers through violence or hate speech.
As part of national Hate Crime week (February 1-7) Salford City Council is offering every driver a permanent sticker for their car asking customers to be kind and polite and reminding people that there is no place for hate in the city.
A new reporting tool is also being launched so drivers can log any abuse that they may experience in order to report it to local councils who can support drivers and take any action that is needed against the culprits. They can also encourage reporting of such crimes to the police who can take more severe action which hopefully will deter anyone from committing similar crimes in the futures.
The initiative is being funded by money which has been seized by Salford City Council’s Trading Standards department under the Proceeds Of Crime Act 2002 and from Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Greater Manchester Police’s hate crime week funding.
Councillor David Lancaster, lead member for environment and community safety, said drivers should be respected as valuable front-line workers.
“Many people rely on taxis and private hire vehicles to get around so drivers should be treated with the same respect as any other key worker doing an essential job in these difficult times,” he said.
“There’s no place for hate in Salford full stop and stealing from self-employed drivers by running off without paying the fare is a very low blow. I hope drivers will make use of the new reporting tool so we can fully understand the issues they face and work to support them.”
Tom Rook, Chair of City of Salford Private Hire Association said he had been lucky enough to provide the police with evidence to convict several ‘customers’ but abuse and crime could have a devastating impact on drivers.
“It’s very hard for drivers to get over. As a self-employed driver I need to earn a living and I’m away from my family working long enough as it is without feeling unsafe or experiencing abuse, hate, theft or damage to my vehicle,” he said.
“At the moment drivers are asking customers not to ride beside them in the front seat. It’s amazing how many people react badly to that simple and polite request even though it is government guidance designed to keep them and the driver at a safe distance and minimise the health risks of catching and spreading the virus.
“All we’re asking is that people show some understanding and consideration for our drivers and their families; a friendly smile and chat makes everyone’s journey far more pleasant.”
Hackney cab driver Stuart Ryan said: “I left driving private hire after people put a knife to my throat and stole money. Some of the abuse drivers get is terrible.”
If you’d like more information on Hate Crime Awareness Week, please visit:
Hate Crime Awareness Week 2021 Grants Programme | Manchester Community Central
