Bedford minicab driver to be investigated after offering to waive passengers fare for sex

A minicab driver is under investigation after alledgedly offering to waive a passenger's fare in return for sexual favours.

The driver, who works for A1 Cars in Bedford, was secretely taped by his female passenger allegedly propositioning her in an incident which took place on Saturday 1 June.

It is alleged that the minicab driver initially told the passenger that she was beautiful, before offering her a free ride if she gave him something in return.

Feeling awkward and uneasy, the passenger then started to record the driver on her phone.

It is alleged that within the phone recording the driver can be heard saying that he will pay her (the passengers) drink as well as her taxi fare, if he gets anything.

When the passenger declined, the driver asked why, prompting her to say that she doesn't do things like that because she is a lady.

Upon termination of the £26 fare from Sandy to a Bedford club, it is alleged that the minicab driver can be heard on the recording asking the 24 year old passenger if she thinks he will get anything.

The single mum described the experience as horrible and really creepy, stating that it was clear that he wanted sex.

She went on to explain that had she not been sober and in control, things could have ended very differently.

Upon visiting the A1 cars office the following morning to make an official complaint, the passenger alleged that she was refused entry into the building by staff. As a result she was then forced to speak to somebody via telephone who she claimed continually spoke over her and dealt with the complaint inadequately.

Compliance Officers from Bedford Borough Council were then informed of the situation after the intervention of Bedford Today and heard the tape. The officers also spoke to the victim, which as a result has led to a full investigation into the driver and his actions as well as the minicab operator's handling of the complaint.

A1 cars supervisor, Balal Shah has said that the minicab driver in question has now been suspended, branding the driver's behaviour "unacceptable". Mr Shah went on to deny that staff had acted improperly by failing to listen to the complaint, with A1's owner Imran Iqbal claiming that the complaint had been handled appropriately. It is believed that the driver may still hold a licence despite being under investigation and could work for another company.

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