Safety Is Key For Female Taxi Driver

LONDON – November 26, 2008: November Working in a safe and secure environment is of paramount importance to taxi driver Julie McColgan. As one of only a handful of females operating as a licensed driver in Manchester, she is only too aware of the dangers that are associated with unruly and violent passengers.

Having stared adversity in the face on a number of separate occasions, Julie drives and is a strong advocate of the distinctive London Taxi. The vehicle, which is manufactured by LTI Vehicles, has a number of safety features that gives added protection to the driver should the unthinkable happen.

Nearly raped, stabbed and shot by passengers with an alternative motive, rather than reach their chosen destination, Julie is thankful to the vehicle's strong central partition that divides the driver and passenger compartment.

“I have always driven a London Taxi because I value the security and safety it provides. The central partition is crucial to the job as it provides both added peace of mind and protection.

"The vehicle's intercom system provides improved communication with passengers and the overriding door locking system allows me to secure a passenger who displays threatening behaviour. It's these essential safety features that are so important to drivers."

Despite the terrifying incidents Julie has encountered, she remains upbeat because of the security a London Taxi provides. "I wouldn't feel safe driving a saloon car or converted mini van. They open you up to attack with no safety features to prevent someone from reaching and grabbing you from behind. However with that said, I wouldn’t want my personal experiences to discourage any females from joining the industry.

“Passengers feel at ease when they see a woman behind the wheel of a London Taxi. It reassures them and on the flip side gives me the opportunity to catch up on all of the latest gossip.”

Julie is currently putting her experiences as a London Taxi driver to good use as she teaches an NVQ level 2 Taxi Driving course to students at City College Manchester. Undertaken by a variety of different age groups including men, women and both new and old taxi drivers the course enables Julie to share her knowledge with those looking to join the trade so that safety and security remains a top priority. Drivers wanting to find out more should call 0161 935 4064.