Posted on the 6th November 2025 in PHTM News
EDINBURGH TAXI DRIVER HAILED AS HERO FOR STOPPING RUNAWAY VAN
A dramatic moment in Clermiston has been captured on video showing a quick-thinking Edinburgh taxi driver stop a runaway delivery van as it sped down a residential street.
Graeme Miller, 53, who had just finished his shift with Central Taxis, noticed an unattended white van "drifting"across Clermiston Road on Tuesday, November 4.
The trades vehicle, loaded with tools, was gaining dangerous momentum as it rolled downhill.
Miller described the scene: "I’d just come over the top of the hill when I saw this van drifting across the road. It started on the left at the top, but by the time I got near it, it was already on the right — and it was moving fast. That’s when I realised there was no driver.”
Reacting instantly, Miller pulled his taxi over, ran across the road, and jumped into the moving vehicle.
“I managed to get past it, pulled over, ran across the road and jumped in. The door was open - I got my foot on the brake and managed to stop it. The handbrake was on, but it had obviously slipped.”
He even had the foresight to blast his horn to warn people, explaining his instinctive reaction: "There were pedestrians who didn’t have a clue what was happening. You just react - I wasn’t thinking about anything except getting it stopped.”
Remarkably, the local hero still managed to make his subsequent dental appointment.
“When I told them why I was late, they just rolled their eyes and said: 'That’s a new one.' I was more worried about getting fined £50. Let’s just say it took my mind off my toothache.”
The video footage, which was captured by a member of the public and shared by his employer, has garnered over 177,000 views on social media.
A Central Taxis spokesperson commended his bravery: “Graeme showed incredible courage and presence of mind.
"His quick actions may well have prevented a serious accident, and we’re very proud to have him as part of our team.”
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