Taxi drivers claim their families are being harassed

The drivers from Stockton say that they do not understand why they have to display their full name on badges when they have a number and photograph with a hologram as proof of identification.

They claim this has left them open to harassment from customers and want Stockton Borough Council to explain why they must abide by this rule.

One driver, who did not wish to be named, said: "Drivers who have complained to the police or have decided not to take a customer due to them not having the correct fare have been victimised.

"This has isolated drivers as these customers have got their name and managed to locate addresses through phoning taxi offices as friends, or using telephone books and asking other drivers by giving the name and saying they are a friend.

"This has led to vandalism to property and vehicles, and harassment of family members.

"We also suffer with our cars being vandalised by being kicked or something thrown at it after the customer has left the vehicle."

They also want to see guidelines issued about how to deal with problem customers.

The driver said: "Some drivers are having to let customers who do not want to pay their fare go due to fear of vandalism, threatening behaviour and an increasing awareness to what little rights taxi drivers have.

"It is up to the council to change people's perceptions of taxi drivers as they are seen to be uneducated, low class people who will tolerate abuse and violence which is becoming an increasing problem."

A spokeswoman from Stockton Borough Council said: "The decision to use full names on badges was agreed at a committee meeting several years ago.

"The decision was taken so members of the public could always easily identify drivers. It was not intended for them to become victims of harassment."

A Cleveland police spokesman said: "Stockton police are carrying out regular patrols in the High Street area and if any taxi drivers do have any complaints they are more than welcome to contact police."