Support over taxi drivers' strike

Drivers decided to strike after the death of Mr Parvaiz

Taxi drivers who staged a seven-hour strike in West Yorkshire say they have public support over their demands for greater protection.

Most of the 3,000 drivers in Kirklees took part in the strike, one week after one of their colleagues was killed.

Mohammad Parvaiz, 41, who was married with three children, died from head injuries after being attacked while working in Golcar last weekend.

Six teenagers have been charged with his murder.

West Yorkshire Police said it had appropriate resources in place during the strike on Saturday night, but it passed without any problems.

Zero tolerance

Chairman of Kirklees Private Hire Association Mohammed Akmal said most people had supported their action.

"We held a two-minute silence for Mr Parvaiz and his family and we stood together to send out a joint message of solidarity that we need more protection," he said.

"About 80-90% of the general public are on our side. We've had a lot of support from passengers who believe we should be able to do our job in safety."

Now they are working on a series of proposals to present to the council that would offer them more protection from abuse and violence while working.

"We want a zero tolerance campaign," he said. "It's been going on for too long.

"If the general public get to know that the police will prosecute them then the message will hit home."

Calls assessed

Police and the local council have said they would be happy to meet the drivers to discuss concerns.

In an earlier statement, Kirklees Council said: "The council and the police have a good relationship of long standing with local taxi drivers and we are happy to meet with them to discuss what their current concerns are."

Speaking before the strike, Supt Nigel Hibbert, of West Yorkshire Police Kirklees Division, said that when responding to incidents involving taxi drivers, officers assessed every call and responded appropriately.

"When hate incidents are reported to us they are treated extremely seriously and thoroughly investigated," he said.

Mr Parvaiz, a taxi driver for seven years, lived in Birkby, Huddersfield, with his wife of 15 years and their children.

His family have appealed for calm in their community.