Taxi driver loses licence appeal after crash

Taxi driver loses licence appeal after crash

A taxi driver based in Coventry has lost an appeal to reinstate his driver's licence, which was revoked after failing to report an accident in which two passengers were injured.

The crash took place in Rugby, Warwickshire on 11 October 2015. The taxi driver, Mohammed Ali, reportedly crashed into a parked car, which resulted in the hospitalisation of his two passengers, as the Coventry Telegraph reported.

Mr Ali subsequently failed to report the accident to Rugby Borough Council within 72 hours, which is a requirement of his taxi and private hire driver’s licence. Police later discovered his vehicle also had two bald tyres. Following the accident and while his licence was still being reviewed, Mr Ali’s taxi was identified by a council officer and seen driving through a red light at a pedestrian crossing.

If you operate a business where members of the public use the premises or vehicles in your possession, it is always wise to look at your insurance coverage to protect yourself against claims in the event of an accident. A good public liability insurance policy will ensure your business is covered if someone is injured.

At the Nuneaton Magistrates Court hearing, the Licensing and Safety Committee upheld Mr Ali’s suspension. The court also voted to revoke Mr Ali’s taxi and private hire driver’s licence because he drove a vehicle in an unroadworthy condition and failed to report the accident within 72 hours.

Commenting on the court hearing, Councillor Kathryn Lawrence, Chairman of the Licensing and Safety Committee, said: “We have a duty to ensure all taxi drivers in Rugby comply with the terms and conditions of our licensing policy, which places paramount importance on the safety of the public.

“Taxi drivers hold a position of trust and have a duty of care, and when drivers fail in this duty we have no hesitation in revoking their licence.”