Charity appeals for women-only taxi drivers

A charity that trains and recruits women into the taxi trade is bringing its campaign to Peterborough.

The Rosie May foundation has teamed up with a taxi firm in the city and is holding a recruitment drive on Tuesday.

Mary Storrie, the charity founder, previously set up female-only tuk-tuks in Sri Lanka.

She said the team was "excited" to get to work.

"It has always been my vision to do the same in the UK, with less than 3% of taxi drivers being women," Ms Storrie said.

"The ultimate aim is for women passengers to request a female driver, an option they don't have at the minute."

She said Goldstar Cabs - the partner taxi firm - had been "very supportive" of her "mission".

So far, eight women have registered their interest in the taxi driving scheme, Ms Storrie said.

"We are looking at the next steps and will be supporting these women with their relevant licences."

Ms Storrie and her husband set up the foundation following their daughter's murder at Christmas in 2003, and as a result of the money that was subsequently donated in her memory.

The family travelled to Sri Lanka the following year, and went on to run charity projects in the country.

Deborah Goodwin, from Deeping St James near Peterborough, was one of the first prospective drivers to get on board.

"I am excited and eager to get going. It will be better pay and flexible hours, which had a huge appeal for me as a single mum," said the 40-year-old, who currently works as a delivery driver.

"I think it is great that women are being given an opportunity like this.

"And also for female passengers - it will make them feel safer."

Peterborough city councillors are due to vote on Wednesday as to whether CCTV should be mandatory in both private hire and hackney taxis.

Ms Goodwin said: "I think it offers extra safety, but we should be allowed to turn it off when the vehicle is being used for personal journeys and I don't think the cost to install [the CCTV] should fall on us drivers."

Goldstar Cabs, based in Fengate, said it was "proud" to be part of the new female-taxi scheme.

A recruitment event was due to be held on Tuesday at its office.

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