Taxi Driver Online

Taxi driver hospitalised after attack in Houghton on the Hill on Christmas Day

https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/news ... ck-2371031

The 38-year-old victim suffered a serious injury to an eye

A taxi driver is in hospital after being seriously injured in an attack in the early hours of Christmas Day.

The driver was assaulted at around 1am on the A47, in Houghton on the Hill, outside the Rose and Crown pub.

The 38-year-old victim, who suffered a serious injury to an eye, remains in hospital.

It’s believed a number of people were in the road at the time and may have witnessed the assault.

The suspect has been described as a white man, aged 19 to 20, about 5ft 9ins tall, of skinny build with dark brown hair.

DC Mike Archer, who is investigating the incident, said: “We know there were a number of people out celebrating on Christmas Eve into the early hours of Christmas Day, we are sure the incident was witnessed by those in the area.

“The victim was in his taxi and had just dropped off a fare when he was punched in the face.

“If you witnessed the assault or have any information about the person responsible we would urge you to get in touch.

"Any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, could help us identify the suspect.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact DC 535 Archer on 101.

is it me or have there been more nasty violent attacks this xmas period

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

I think things are much as normal, however with more and more social media more is being reported.

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IDFIMH

There are videos of both the driver and the police appeal on the website, but I couldn't hear either properly, despite cranking the volume fully up

Taxi driver blinded by single punch urges people to 'do the right thing' and lead police to his attacker

https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/news ... ch-2640518

Some 'witnesses' not prepared to provide written statements, say police

A taxi driver who was blinded in one eye after he was attacked by a thug today helped police launch a new appeal for help tracing the man who attacked him.

Sujan Pal was attacked by a man outside of the Rose and Crown pub in Uppingham Road, Houghton on the Hill, in the early hours of Christmas Day last year.

After refusing the man access to the vehicle, 39-year-old Sujan was punched in the face, Leicestershire Police said.

The blow damaged his left eye socket and his sight has not returned - forcing him to give up his job.

He said: “All I want is to see out of my eye again.

"I am very worried about what the future holds. I need my vision to work and support my family.

"I have been a taxi driver for 12 years in Leicester, London and Vienna, this is the first time anything like this has ever happened to me.

"I know that people saw what happened to me and I would ask that they please co-operate with the police and do the right thing so that this does not happen to anyone else."

Detective Constable Mike Archer, who is investigating the attack, said: “This was a very nasty and unprovoked attack on a man who was out working during the busy Christmas period.

“A single punch to the face has left Sujan with life-changing injuries and he is now unable to work and provide for his family.

“We are aware that there were people around that night and specifically information has been received about the incident from some witnesses who for whatever reason are reluctant to provide written statements.

“We would like to reassure anyone who witnessed the incident that the information they provide will be treated in the strictest confidence and the details they can provide could help us secure a successful prosecution for this callous assault.

“If you are one of these people please get in touch."

Any information you have, no matter how insignificant it may seem, could help us with our inquiries.

"If you do not want to speak to police you can also pass on information to Crimestoppers anonymously.”

A 21-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and released pending further inquiries.

we have a local driver lost an eye 3 years ago after a piece of metal fell into it whilst working on his land rover (his hobby)

he is now back driving his taxi with only one eye and there are very few if any issues

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

Your council doesn't apply Group 2 standards, presumably?

Blind in one eye means complete Group 2 bar, but OK for Group 1 providing conditions are met.


http://www.dvla-contact-number.co.uk/vi ... 2-drivers/

we all fall into the group 1 category surely ?

UK driver licensing

Licensing and licence groups

the UK medical standards for driver licensing refer to Group 1 and Group 2 licence holders:
Group 1 includes cars and motorcycles
Group 2 includes large lorries (category C) and buses (category D)

in most cases, the medical standards for Group 2 drivers are substantially higher than for Group 1 drivers. This is because of the size and weight of the vehicle and the length of time an occupational driver typically spends at the wheel

drivers who were awarded a Group 1 category B (motor car) licence before 1 January 1997 have additional entitlement to categories C1 (medium-sized lorries, 3.5t to 7.5t) and D1 (minibuses, 9 to 16 seats, not for hire or reward). Drivers with this entitlement retain it only until their licence expires or it is revoked for medical reasons

under certain circumstances, volunteer drivers may drive a minibus of up to 16 seats without category D1 entitlement. The DVLA outlines the rules for such circumstances on the GOV.UK website

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

But many councils (if not most) apply the Group 2 standards to cab drivers?

Nothing to stop the driver driving a standard car if he meets the tests, but if a council applies the Group 2 standard it would be an automatic ban, presumably.

But, as discussed before, ultimately it's up to councils whether they provide exemptions to Group 2, so conceivably a driver in an area applying Group 2 standards could receive an exemption that wouldn't be available via a DVLA licence.

SKDC's guidance for drivers states:

The Council requires confirmation that applicants meet Group 2 standards of fitness for occupational drivers.

http://www.southkesteven.gov.uk/index.a ... cleid=8908

but that contradicts things as we do NOT take group 2 medicals just a simplified questionnaire and a basic eye test

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