West Norfolk scheme could save lives
A LYNN taxi firm is launching a pioneering voucher scheme to get youngsters home safely at night in the wake of four tragic deaths in West Norfolk.
Streamline Taxis driver Bob Flint came up with the idea where fares can be bought in advance, following the death of teenager David Macgregor-Shailes.
As reported in the Lynn News on Tuesday, the 18-year-old, of Steeles Drove, Hilgay, had been walking along the Southery-bound carriageway of the A10 at Hilgay in the early hours of Sunday when he was involved in a collision with a red Honda Civic, travelling in the same direction.
Eight days earlier 18-year-old student Jonathon Barber, of Broadlands, Downham, vanished from a five-strong group of friends as he walked home along the banks of the River Great Ouse towards Downham after a party at Salters Lode. His body was later discovered in the river.
In December, 17-year-olds Shaun Barnes and Luey Storr died on the railway line at St Germans when they were hit by an early-morning train. It is believed the friends did not have enough money for a taxi to their Watlington homes.
"To have lost four youngsters in the last few weeks is absolutely tragic," said Mr Flint, who was prompted to launch the voucher scheme when he came across the Hilgay incident on his way home from a weekend shift.
He felt some young people might choose to walk home after spending the money they had put aside for a taxi during their evening out.
He later contacted firm partner Keith Jarvis with the idea and it was so well received that it will be officially launched by the firm over the Easter weekend.
Mr Flint said: "When I have been going home to Hilgay after work I have seen young people walking and given them lifts. The A10 can be so dangerous. I don't see why other taxi companies can't take this scheme up."
Both the 5 and 10 vouchers, which will be credit-card sized, will be available from the Streamline office in Norfolk Street and the drivers themselves.
He said parents or other family members could buy the vouchers in advance, and the cards can also be put towards a full fare if necessary.
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Weather for King's Lynn
Sunday 27 May 2012
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