Not unlike the Wiltshire article at the weekend in many ways. This is another press article based mainly on a Tweet posted by police, but this one also contains a statement from the council. 'Safety is paramount', 'working closely with partners' or something like that
But, unlike other police forces, at least they managed to blank out the council plate number as well as the number plate. And they even blanked out the plate number on the roofsign
'Horror' police discovery during traffic stop leads to Cheltenham taxi being seized
https://www.gloucestershirelive.co.uk/n ... ic-8117891
The driver was pulled over for using his phone while behind the wheel.
Image: Glos Police Specialist Ops/Twitter
A taxi driver has had his vehicle seized after he was caught driving using his phone and driving without insurance. Gloucestershire Constabular seized the vehicle of the licensed Cheltenham taxi driver after discovering to their "horror" that the cabby was driving passengers around without insurance.
Specialist road police pulled over the Cheltenham cabby on Saturday night, February 4, after spotting him flouting road rules by using his phone while driving, but were shocked to find that the license-holding driver had no insurance on his vehicle. The driver was removed from his vehicle and a police seizure sticker slapped on the back of the cab, which had been stopped in central Cheltenham, on Promenade.
Drivers are required to notify Cheltenham Borough Council of any change in their insurance policy. In response to this finding, the borough council has said they will take "whatever action necessary to maintain public safety".
The arresting officers said: "[we] spotted this Cheltenham taxi using his mobile phone whilst driving. To our horror the vehicle also had no insurance. Vehicle seized."
Drivers that are caught behind the wheel of a car that they have no insurance for are handed a £300 fixed penalty notice and six points on their driving licence.
Cllr Martin Horwood, member for customer & regulatory services, said: ‘’We are aware that the police seized a licensed taxi over the weekend because the driver was not insured. We are working with the police and will complete our investigation as a matter of priority.
“The council has a clear and robust licensing policy. There is a clear requirement on licensed drivers to inform the council immediately of any change in their circumstances, insurance policy or provider.
‘’The council has powers to suspend or revoke a taxi or private hire driver’s licence with immediate effect. Following our investigation, we will not hesitate to take whatever action necessary to maintain public safety and confidence in the licensed trade.”
