Minicab driver, 39, was reading book at wheelA DRIVER has had his licence taken away after he was caught reading a book at the wheel.
Syed Khabbab, 39, was filmed by another driver who posted the footage on YouTube, before telling Colchester Council.
The council won an appeal to permanently revoke his private hire driver’s licence after Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court ruled he was not a fit and proper person to hold the licence.
Prior to being spotted with the open book, Khabbab, of Tangerine Close, Colchester, had broken a string of council rules, the court heard.
These included failing to report damage to his vehicle and not reporting a number of driving offences.
Tim Young, councillor for community safety, licensing and culture, said: “We’re pleased with the result of the hearing at the magistrates court to back the decision made by our sub-committee.
“I think this sends out a strong message to drivers they must stick to the law otherwise we will take action.”
A council spokesman said its licensing enforcement officers proactively enforce the standards set by the council with spot checks and scheduled and reactive visits.
He said it also issues points for infringements of its conditions and action is taken when certain thresholds are reached.
The penalty point scheme applies to all private hire/hackney carriage drivers and operators.
source:
http://www.gazette-news.co.uk/news/13316211._/
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