A Colchester woman says a taxi driver hurt her in the city centre after dropping her off and driving away too early.
Susan Wright got a taxi into the city centre on January 6 with her elderly mother and a friend.
They were dropped off in Osborne Street shortly after 4pm when Ms Wright’s foot was trapped in the door and the driver drove off.
The 56-year-old said: “He didn’t even stop, and he didn’t apologise. As a taxi driver, you have a responsibility for your customers.
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“I feel very hurt. I got hurt and he didn’t offer any help.
“It could have been an elderly person or a child, and the outcome could have been much worse.”
Ms Wright reported it to Panther Cabs, who she had booked the taxi with.
Bridget Everitt, general manager at Panther Cabs, said: “I can confirm that we received a complaint from a customer who said a driver had run over their foot."
“My driver manager Mr Dyke has spoken to this customer many times to convey our sympathies and help with the investigation into what happened.”
Panther Cabs confirmed the driver was licenced with Wolverhampton City Council and information was passed on for the matter to be investigated.
The taxi firm provided a full statement.
Ms Everitt said: “We treat every complaint seriously and have suspended the driver while we await a report from Wolverhampton Council on how it will deal with this incident.
“We have apologised to the customer and are keeping them updated on the investigation.”
Ms Wright thanked Panther Cabs for its help but wants tougher rules on drivers keeping their licences after incidents like this.
A City of Wolverhampton Council spokesperson said: “Panther Cabs reported it to us at the time and it is under investigation."
A January 2024 Colchester licensing meeting raised concerns about drivers registering in Wolverhampton because it is cheaper, with Wolverhampton-licensed vehicles then operating in Colchester.
Colchester Council has said that complaints about a Wolverhampton-licensed vehicle must be made to Wolverhampton Council Taxi Licensing, rather than to Colchester’s licensing team.
