THUGS, not language problems are responsible for attacks on cabbies claim drivers' leaders.

Under new proposals, drivers applying for licences will have to prove they can communicate "adequately" in English amid fears that language problems are contributing to a growing number of assaults on drivers.

But Asif Vali, whose firm Rapid Private Hire has been piloting tests, says drivers believe the council should concentrate on tackling the yobs responsible for attacks.

Mr Vali, who is also the chairman of the Private Hire Association said: "We should not be blaming drivers for attacks but introducing measures to stop the hooligans who think they can get away with violence."

But despite his comments Mr Vali, believes new tests could benefit the industry in Bolton.

He was speaking after the Licensing and Environmental Committee voted to back plans for new rules requiring that drivers applying for a licence display an "adequate command of the English language."

Charles Oakes, general secretary of the Bolton Taxi Association, told the meeting he feared that a driver could die if the communication skills of some cabbies are not improved following attacks on 20 cabbies in the last six months.

All 32 drivers, employed by Mr Vali, who took the pilot test passed first time.

They were asked to complete a tick box exam featuring 50 written questions on driving issues.

But Mr Vali called for action to be taken against yobs who attack drivers.

He said drivers would impose no-go zones and demand the council install cameras in all cabs unless the violence stopped.

Mr Vali also wants the public to take responsibility for the problem by shopping anyone they know to be responsible for attacks.

He said: "Drivers work in fear of attack and only around 650 of the borough's 1,400 drivers are willing to work nights at weekends.

"If people do not want fare increases to pay for safety measures or like the prospect of walking home because drivers will not work, they need to help stop the violence against our drivers."

Do we need to give our drivers better training, or clamp down on the hooligans carrying out these attacks? For me there is no question.