Taxi Driver Online

Cabbie’s fury at litter fine


A TAXI driver from Worcester who was fined for accidentally dropping a small piece of tissue has labelled actions of the police a “disgrace” as clubgoers were not punished for creating a “sea of flyers” in the same street.

Robert Cook was working in the early hours of Tuesday morning as revellers left Tramps nightclub following a live performance from rap artist DJ Ironik.

Mr Cook said hundred’s of people poured out of the club, in Angel Place, at 3am and were handed flyers by promoters - most of which were thrown to the floor.

As he waited to pick up a fare a seagull excreted on his brand new taxi, which Mr Cook began to clean off with a piece of tissue.

The 33-year-old , of Saddlers Walk, Blackpole, said: “As I wiped off the mess, I accidentally dropped a small matchbox sized piece of tissue. The mess had actually gone inside the window and on to the seat so I was in the taxi trying to clean it up when the police officer came to give me the fine.

“I would have picked it up when I got out of the car but I didn’t even get a chance.

“I couldn’t believe it, the police were all over me like a rash. Two officers had been sitting in a car in Angel Place and there must have been 800 to 1,000 flyers which had just been dropped on the floor right in front of them. Not one of the culprits were given a ticket. It’s a disgrace.

“I’m not drunk or causing trouble, I’m out there working an 18-hour shift, trying to earn a living and making sure people get home safely.

“I have got a lot of time for the police and I think they do a great job but after this they have gone right down in my estimation.”

Mr Cook said he plans to contest the fine.

A spokesman from south Worcestershire Police said: “We work closely with all of our partners – Worcester City Council in this instance – to create and maintain a safe and pleasant place in which to live, work and relax.

“On occasion, this requires action involving individuals who commit offences and on others action involving organisations and businesses whose practices are not necessarily conducive with our stated aims and those of our partners.

“Organisations, businesses and individuals all have a responsibility to the community. We – and the city council – work at a number of levels with organisations that are active in Worcester’s night-time economy and will raise the possibility of excess leafleting through one or more of these forums.”

A Worcester City Council spokesman said it was not an offence to hand out flyers and leaflets but it was an offence to drop them on the floor.

No one from Tramps was available to comment.

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

Cops couldnt have handled nicking 500 flyer-droppers, but 1 cabbie was just about in thier comfort zone..

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Of all the things ive lost, i miss my mind the most

There has to be more to this than meets the eye.

Surely they could have simply asked the lad to pick up his litter?

If this is true, then the police best not ever ask the local trade to keep an eye out for anyone wanted.

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IDFIMH

I heard of one being done locally for smoking in his cab, when approached he threw the ciggy out and got 50 quid for littering!

CC

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

Dunno about dropping litter, he should be done for working 18 hour shifts!!!!