Brave Sharon opts for new TX4

Edinburgh taxi driver Sharon Wilson may still be recovering from the horrific accident that nearly cost her life – but that didn’t stop her picking up her new cab.

Sharon, formerly Bain who married husband Martin just a few weeks ago, collected the TX4 - the newly-launched updated version of the iconic London taxi – from John Paton and Son, official Edinburgh dealer for manufacturer LTI Vehicles.

Six weeks ago, Sharon, aged 44, was trapped for several hours after a lorry toppled over and tipped a skip it was carrying onto her London cab. It was only the robust design and build of the TX model that saved her and her three passengers.

She swore she would only buy a purpose-built, London taxi as a replacement and was delighted when she collected the keys from Jim Weatherstone, of John Paton and Son, last week.

“If I had been in a normal vehicle when the accident happened, it would just have crumpled on top of me and I might not be here now,” said Sharon, a driver with City Cabs, in Edinburgh.

“I would definitely encourage other drivers to get a purpose-built taxi. It could save their life.

“I cracked a rib in the accident and I have really bad whiplash. I thought it would be wearing off by now but it is still very painful. I have been signed off work until May and don’t want to rush back into it before I am 100 per cent so Martin will be the one doing the miles in the TX4 to start with. He is like a boy with a new toy at the moment!

“Our previous TX model we had bought in September was great and we had no problems. The TX4 though is just so responsive and smooth. I sat in the back when we picked it up as well and it is really comfortable.

“I am looking forward to getting back out on the road and giving customers a VIP ride in the new taxi.”

The TX4 was launched in October by LTI Vehicles. It retains the distinctive shape that is famous the world over, but features an abundance of new features including a restyled front grille, anti-lock breaks as standard and improved suspension. It also boasts a VM turbodiesel Euro IV emissions-compliant engine.

Jim Weatherstone, General Manager with John Paton and Son, said: “We were delighted to be able to help Sharon get back on the road.

“She seems to share the view of all the customers we are talking to who have bought a TX4. They are giving us fantastic feedback about the smoothness of the ride, how quiet it is and its responsiveness. And all the safety features make it the safest taxi to be in.

“We wish Sharon all the best in her continued recovery.”