Sponsored by
Inquiry launched as Asian cabbie refuses to carry RAF serviceman
AN INQUIRY has been launched after an Asian cabbie in Sheffield refused to take an RAF serviceman in his taxi.
The 24-year-old serviceman, who had been at a family wedding at Sheffield town hall in his RAF "blues", was turned away from the black cab by the driver, who apparently became aggressive.
Sheffield Council, the RAF and the local taxi association are now investigating amid calls for the driver to be sacked.
Vince McDonagh of the local joint ex-servicemen's association said: "Taxis should be bound by the rules of the licensing authority and I think they should locate this driver and take his badge away."
The incident happened after part-time lecturer Kevin Burke's daughter got married.
The 46-year-old, who did not want to reveal his son's name for security reasons, said: "My wife and my son went to get a taxi near the town hall after the ceremony, to go on to the reception.
"When the cab pulled up they were about to get in when the driver said he wasn't letting my son in because he was in uniform.
"My wife asked him for a reason and the driver became quite aggressive in turning them down. He made it quite clear it was because my son was in the forces.
"Being a professional, my son just turned his back and walked away and they hailed a private taxi to get to the reception. If you are providing a public service you should not refuse people like my son. He is fighting for his country after all."
A spokesman for the local black cab drivers added: "These servicemen and women protect our way of life. They put their lives at risk for this nation. To be treated like that is unbelievable."
A Sheffield Council spokesman said: "On the face of it is disappointing and disheartening."
Email to a friend
Print this page- Leeds lose Ward to Palace: Is there anyone they can afford now?
- Sheffield Wednesday leaving it late to hijack Leeds United over Ward
- As Snodgrass dithers over Leeds, Warnock throws a lifeline
- Ball is in Leeds United’s court over contract - Snodgrass
- Police turning blind eye to Asian voter fraud, says MP
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Yorkshire
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: East
