PARTS of Newport could be ruled no-go areas for taxis, after a spate of attacks which risk the lives of drivers and passengers.

In the latest incident a gang of youngsters threw stones at a taxi, carrying an elderly passenger, shattering one of the windows and damaging the windscreen.

Self-employed driver Dave Edwards, who works for Dragon Taxis, was shocked by the senseless attack on his car.

He told the Argus: They could so easily have injured somebody.

Taxi drivers meet next week to decide whether to make some parts of the city off-limits, for safety reasons.

Gwent Police are investigating the incident which took place in Ringland at about 9.30pm on Thursday as Mr Edwards was taking his passenger back to her home. A gang of about ten or 12 kids, aged between 12 and 14, were stood on the roundabout in front of the Friendship and started throwing stones at the car.

I had an elderly lady in the car who had been baby-sitting for her son.

They smashed the side drivers window and damaged the windscreen. There are dents and chips all down the car.

Mr Edwards had a small cut to his hand and his passenger was uninjured. He added: She was more concerned that I was cut.

He did not stop but drove the woman straight to her home. When he returned to the scene of the incident the gang had gone and he reported it to the police.

Mr Edwards, 57, who lives in Beechwood, Newport, was unable to work for the rest of his shift and his vehicle is likely to be off the road until Monday.

Im just so frustrated and annoyed, he said.

He said other drivers had suffered similar incidents, including egg throwing.

Ron Hughes, secretary of Newport Drivers Association, confirmed it was a serious issue that was due to be discussed by concerned drivers at a meeting next week.

One option that will be considered is the withdrawal of taxi services in problem areas. If vehicles were off the road because they were damaged, the drivers lost wages.

It cant continue. Safety has got to come first, said Mr Hughes.

Newport Transport last year threatened to withdraw its services to Bettws because of attacks on buses and in November, Stage-coach took action following similar incidents in Underwood.

Last week, a Stagecoach bus driver in Abergavenny was hit by youths when he got out to inspect damage caused by stones they had thrown.

PICTURE: Taxi driver Dave Edwards whose car was hit by stones hurled by youths