Taxi Driver Online

Drink-drive cabbie boss to appeal refusal to renew his taxi licence





A TAXI boss is battling to save his business after being convicted of drink-driving.

Brian Marlow, who runs Fordingbridge Taxis, has vowed to lodge an appeal following the district council’s refusal to renew his taxi driver’s licence.

Mr Marlow, of Riverdale Close, Fordingbridge, was driving himself back from a darts match in February last year when he was stopped by police.

He was found to be twice the legal drink-drive limit and was disqualified from driving for 12 months.

The veteran cabbie, who has been driving for 27 years, asked the council’s licensing sub-committee to renew his taxi driver’s licence once his ban had expired.

He said his disqualification had already cost him about £12,000 in lost business.

Mr Marlow added: “I was a damn fool but it was a one-off case of stupidity. I was astounded when I was told I was twice the limit.

“I really don’t want to close down and put two other people out of work.”

However, taxi drivers disqualified for drink-driving are not normally granted a new licence by the council until three years after their ban ends.

Councillor Paul Woods, chairman of the three-man sub-committee, said there was no reason why the council should deviate from its policy.

He added: “While the subcommittee was sympathetic to the applicant’s financial situation it was not appropriate to take these factors into account.

“The sub-committee were mindful that their duty in determining this application was to ensure the safety of the public.”

After the meeting Mr Marlow said: “I’m gutted. One mistake in 27 years and I’m finished.”

The cabbie vowed to lodge an appeal at Southampton Magistrates’ Court.

http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/distric ... i_licence/

_________________
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

A Mistake???? the guy drove in the full knowledge he was half drunk...thats a deliberate action and not a Mistake.

I agree I doubt this was a one off if he plays darts and has a few pints as well the car should have stayed at home thats not a mistake thats a deliberate act

There are no circumstances in my opinion where a conviction for drink/drug driving shouldn't lead to a ban unless it can be proven that it was medication and nothing else that was responsible

_________________
lack of modern legislation is the iceberg sinking the titanic of the transport sector

I only had 10 pints, just to help me relax and sleep. I thought it would be safer than tablets.

_________________
Grandad,

If I've got work the following day or have to drive for any reason which is 365 days a year I don't touch a drop which is why I'm teetotal your license is too important to risk it

_________________
lack of modern legislation is the iceberg sinking the titanic of the transport sector

The magistrate's court will take a very dim view of this.

However the question they will ask is has the council been unreasonable over this refusal.

I doubt, other than the chap himself, anyone in the country will criticise the council for it's actions.

_________________
IDFIMH