Crime Solicitors

North Lincolnshire Council has suspended a licensed taxi driver and issued maximum penalty points, after he allegedly fell asleep while driving a child and teaching assistant between schools.

An investigation was launched by the council into a road traffic collision on Ashby Road in Scunthorpe, when the taxi drove into two parked cars – both passengers were shaken, but physically unharmed, said the council.

Following the investigation, the council’s Licensing Sub-Committee agreed that the taxi driver’s licence be suspended with immediate effect for a period of three months.

The council also added 12 penalty points to the driver’s taxi licence for five years, as per the council’s Licensing Policy.

The driver – named as Mr Karim – has since been dismissed by his then employer.

Karim also must undertake and pass the council’s taxi drivers’ standard test within the suspension period, otherwise his taxi licence will be revoked automatically.

In addition, if he receives one or more penalty points for any taxi driver offence within the next five years, he will have to appear in front of the Sub-Committee again.

This could include eating or drinking while transporting passengers, having an unclean taxi – or failing to provide a receipt when requested.

Cabinet Member for Safer, Greener and Cleaner Places at North Lincolnshire Council, Councillor Richard Hannigan, said:

“The safety of residents and visitors to North Lincolnshire is of paramount importance – we will do everything in our power to remove unsafe drivers, taxi drivers or otherwise, from our roads.

“This road traffic collision was very serious – our Licensing Sub-Committee agreed that Mr Karim is not a fit and proper person to drive a taxi and therefore must not do so unless the taxi drivers’ standard test is passed satisfactorily within three months.

“If he passes the test and commits even a relatively minor offence within five years, he will be brought before the Sub-Committee for a second time.”

Duncan Lewis Crime Solicitors

Duncan Lewis Crime Solicitors can advise at any stage of a motoring offence, including motorcycle crime, anti-social behaviour, speeding offences, careless or dangerous driving, DUI, vehicle maintenance offences, driving uninsured or without a licence.

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide – and a Duncan Lewis solicitor can usually reach a police station for interview under caution within an hour.

Duncan Lewis can also advise professional drivers on motoring offences and breaches of licence conditions – including advising on possible disqualification.

For expert legal advice on motoring offences, call Duncan Lewis motoring solicitors on 0333 772 0409.

For 24/7 help at a police station, call the Duncan Lewis Solicitors 24-Hour Emergency Helpline on 0333 772 0607.