Oxford taxi driver handed special commendation at this year’s Parliamentary Taxi and and PHV Awards

An Oxford taxi driver was handed a special commendation at this year's Parliamentary Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle (PHV) Awards after a record number of nominations were made.

A record seventeen PHV and taxi drivers were nominated by MPs for this year’s Parliamentary Taxi and PHV awards, culminating in a ceremony at the House of Commons held last week on 20 April.

Hosted by Labour MP Daniel Zeichner, in association with leading multi-mobility app FREE NOW, PHV and taxi drivers joined MPs to celebrate those drivers who have supported their local communities and spoken up for the trade. The annual awards were founded in 2019 by Daniel Zeichner MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Taxis, with the aim of bringing the industry together to celebrate drivers and inspire passengers.

Oxford taxi driver Sajad Khan was given a special commendation by Daniel Zeichner, following his nomination by Anneliese Dodds, MP for Oxford East, for his dedication and service to the trade, having been secretary of the Oxford Licensed Cab Association (Colta) for over six years, and a cab driver for 27 years. The help and care he gives passengers and those in need in the city were highlighted in his nomination, noting that he often drove rough sleepers to the shelter for free in his cab, and the particular attention he has given to passengers who have required medical attention. One passenger suffered a seizure, and he attended to her until the arrival of the ambulance.

Anneliese Dodds MP said: "I am so pleased that Mr Khan has been recognised for his brilliant work by this award. Over his many years of service in Oxford, Mr Khan has led by example with high standards, professionalism and care."

Daniel Zeichner MP said: "I established these awards in order to help pay tribute to the contribution that drivers make to their local communities and to shine a light on the industry more widely. It’s fair to say, speaking to MPs and drivers at this year’s ceremony, that the contribution they have all made in their local areas has been enormous. In light of the struggles that so many drivers have faced during the pandemic, the acts of generosity and kindness as well as the leadership of the sector many have shown, are all the more incredible and show the sector at its very best. I congratulate all the excellent drivers who were nominated by their local MP and thank them for going above and beyond.”

Sidonie Lopez Silva, Senior Public Affairs Manager at FREE NOW, said: "We are incredibly proud to be a part of this important annual fixture in the taxi and PHV calendar. This year felt particularly special, given the impact of the pandemic on so many drivers. It was a real joy speaking to so many taxi and PHV drivers who travelled from across the UK to come to the ceremony. FREE NOW is delighted to help honour these outstanding individuals who all thoroughly deserve recognition.”