7 Jan 2008
Taxi driver caught talking on mobile while driving
A taxi driver from the Rye and Battle area has been given points on his
licence after talking on a mobile phone while driving.
The licensed Rother Taxi Driver who was spotted by an off duty police
constable taking a booking for a fare while driving a passenger on the
busy A20 in London.
He appeared before the Council's Taxi Licensing Panel on Friday when he
admitted talking on his mobile phone whilst driving for over 10 seconds
and at the same time writing down an eleven-digit telephone number.
He said his hands free device was not working.
The council has refused to name the driver or say exactly where he was
from as the issue was dealt with in confidential session.
The Panel Chairman, Cllr Wendy Miers told the driver he needed to find a
safer way of taking bookings. After careful deliberation, the Panel imposed
eight penalty points on his licence.
Drivers who accumulate 12 penalty points in a year are automatically
referred back to the panel for consideration as to whether they are a fit
and proper person to continue to hold a hackney carriage licence and run
the risk of losing their licence altogether.
Research has shown that driver's reaction times are up to 50 percent
slower that normal when driving and using a mobile phone.
It also shows reaction times are 30 percent worse than when driving under
the influence of alcohol.
Other research suggests that if you are using a mobile phone while driving
you are four times more likely to have a crash.
Motorists caught driving dangerously while using a handheld mobile phone
could now face jail under new guidelines.
The Crown Prosecution Service announced a policy change in September
because of concerns that too many drivers flouting the law.
Most drivers will still face the standard penalty of a fine and points.
But where driving falls far short of what is safe, prosecutors can press
charges of dangerous driving.
A Rother Council spokesman said: "Taxi licensing is just one of a range of
licensing responsibilities that the Council undertakes to ensure the safety
of residents and visitors to the area.
"Anyone who is concerned about the actions of any taxi driver licensed by
Rother District Council can contact the Council's licensing section on 01424
787528 giving either the registration or licence plate number of the
vehicle."
Source: Hastings Observer
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