Newcastle City Council Suspend Six Drivers
Six taxi drivers have been suspended amid concerns about the risk they pose to the public.
Newcastle City Council has taken four of the cabbies off the roads after receiving information from police about alleged criminal activity.
Two others have been suspended on health grounds.
Because of new laws that have come into play, the drivers will not be able to work until further notice and could still not win their licences back even if they are cleared of any criminal charges.
The city council’s executive member for regulation Coun Anita Lower said: “We have strict controls in place which are designed to keep the public safe when using taxis.
“We think it is of upmost importance that people feel they can get into a taxi and feel safe and secure.
“This is an area around which we cannot take risks. It is our duty to protect these people and ensure that those who are given licences are fit and proper people.”
The six drivers have all been suspended over the past three weeks.
Five of them are Hackney carriage drivers and one is private hire.
The council has a relationship with police that will see them informed if any driver is arrested on suspicion of a criminal offence, which will often lead to suspension.
Those taken off the roads recently include one cabby who was being investigated over the alleged supply of a firearm.
This news story is presented on www.swintontaxi.co.uk for general information purposes only, and does not necessarily reflect the official views, policy or practice of Swinton Group. All news stories are provided by and are the copyright of TM Media. Swinton Group accepts no liability for any errors or losses that may incur if the information is relied upon.
25/03/2010
Six taxi drivers have been suspended amid concerns about the risk they pose to the public.
Newcastle City Council has taken four of the cabbies off the roads after receiving information from police about alleged criminal activity.
Two others have been suspended on health grounds.
Because of new laws that have come into play, the drivers will not be able to work until further notice and could still not win their licences back even if they are cleared of any criminal charges.
The city council’s executive member for regulation Coun Anita Lower said: “We have strict controls in place which are designed to keep the public safe when using taxis.
“We think it is of upmost importance that people feel they can get into a taxi and feel safe and secure.
“This is an area around which we cannot take risks. It is our duty to protect these people and ensure that those who are given licences are fit and proper people.”
The six drivers have all been suspended over the past three weeks.
Five of them are Hackney carriage drivers and one is private hire.
The council has a relationship with police that will see them informed if any driver is arrested on suspicion of a criminal offence, which will often lead to suspension.
Those taken off the roads recently include one cabby who was being investigated over the alleged supply of a firearm.
This news story is presented on www.swintontaxi.co.uk for general information purposes only, and does not necessarily reflect the official views, policy or practice of Swinton Group. All news stories are provided by and are the copyright of TM Media. Swinton Group accepts no liability for any errors or losses that may incur if the information is relied upon.
25/03/2010