Taxi Driver Online

15 Jan 2008

Uninsured taxi driver loses his licence

A TAXI driver who made 77 journeys in his uninsured car has lost his
licence after an appeal was kicked out.

Manjinder Basra, of Biddick Hall Drive, South Shields, ferried passengers
while his car was uninsured for four days in August 2006.

The 37-year-old was found out when officers from South Tyneside
Council's licensing section asked for his documents as part of a routine
check.

Officers noticed Basra's insurance was due to expire and told him to make
suitable arrangements.

He provided the council with a cover note from his new insurance
company, dated August 29.

But officers soon realised the note did not cover the dates between August
25 and 28, during which the vehicle was uninsured.

And further checks revealed that Basra had continued to work as a taxi
driver, despite having no insurance.

South Tyneside magistrates fined him £350 last March last year, after the
council prosecuted him for driving with no insurance.

The council then moved to withdraw Basra's private hire driver's licence in
April.

Basra appealed the decision, but it was upheld by magist
rates in August.

A second appeal - this time to Newcastle Crown Court - was dismissed last
week (January 7) and Basra's licence has now been withdrawn.

Coun Michael Clare, lead member environment, housing and transport,
said: "Public safety is of paramount importance to us, and to the vast
majority of our taxi drivers. This was a very serious offence.

"Uninsured drivers put all road users at risk, particularly if they are a taxi
driver because they do more miles and carry more passengers.

"The council has an extremely good relationship with the taxi trade and
carries out regular and rigorous checks on taxi and private hire vehicles
and drivers.

"These checks are very important in helping us make journeys as safe as
possible for local people, and they will continue.

"We will not tolerate members of the trade who fail to comply with the law
and licensing conditions."

Source: South Tyneside Today