Taxi Driver of the Year
City cabbie Khalid Yaqub scooped the prestigious title of
'taxi driver of the year' and a first prize of £500 in a
competition organised by Peterborough City Council's taxi
enforcement office on Sunday (23 September).
The competition was open to all Hackney Carriage and Private
Hire drivers in Peterborough and from more than 800 drivers
licensed by the city council six went through to the final. As well
as winning the coveted title of 'taxi driver of the year 2007', Mr
Yaqub received £500. Second placed driver was Tariq Mahboob,
who scooped £300 and in third place was David Snowdin, who
picked up £200 for his efforts. A certificate, endorsed by
the city council was also presented to the six finalists to be
displayed in their vehicles.
In order to be eligible to take part in the event, drivers had
to fulfil certain criteria including: an assessment of their
driving history according to comments made by customers; vehicle
condition following mechanical inspection; any penalty points
awarded through the council's own enforcement system; and their
standards of dress and personal hygiene. Successful candidates were
then shortlisted to attend the driving test after they had passed a
written test based on the Highway Code and the city council's
licence conditions.
"Taxi drivers provide a vital service to both the city's
residents and its visitors," said Ken Gray, Peterborough City
Council's principal taxi enforcement officer. "This competition
highlights their essential role and provides a thorough examination
of their driving skills. Therefore, I'd like to say well done to
our six finalists and the overall winner Mr Yaqub."
The driving test was conducted by the Cambridgeshire Advanced
Driving Group in affiliation with the Royal Society for the
Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA).
Councillor Graham Murphy, Cabinet member for Environment and
Community Safety, said: "I would like to congratulate each of the
six finalists for making it through to the final and our overall
winner Khalid Yaqub. The city's cabbies provide an essential
service and this competition goes a long way to making sure their
high standards are maintained."
If you have any queries regarding taxi driver of the year
2008, please contact the
Taxi Licensing Team.