MERSEYSIDE

A 100TH taxi driver has been arrested for drink or drug driving on Merseyside in less than a year.

Police announced yesterday on social media that the "unfortunate milestone" had been reached, tweeting out an image of a vehicle stopped at the side of the road.

The force's tweet, sent out from the Roads Policing Unit account, said: "Unfortunate milestone today! This is the 100th licensed driver arrested for drink (8) or Drug (92) drive since May!"

The number includes both Hackney carriage drivers and private hire vehicles.

The post said a total of 48 of those had been Liverpool drivers, 33 from Sefton, 14 from Knowsley and five from other regions.

It added: "We will carry on working hard to support the majority of legal drivers in the trade."

The news follows a scheme over Christmas named Operation Nemesis that saw roadside checks carried out across Merseyside for the fourth consecutive festive season.

That operation saw 19 arrested throughout the month, leading Inspector Keith Kellett to warn: "Drug driving is a serious offence and leaves our communities vulnerable.

"All motorists have a duty of care to themselves, those they are travelling with and other road users which is why it is particularly important that taxi drivers and private hire companies consider the risks they may be putting themselves and others in if they’re found to be driving whilst using drugs."

What's the law on drug driving?

The law states that it's illegal to drive if either the person is unfit to do so because they're on legal or illegal drugs, or they have certain levels of illegal drugs in the blood – even if they haven't affected the person's driving.

The police can stop drivers and make them do a 'field impairment assessment' if they think the driver is on drugs.

That means a series of tests, like asking the driver to walk in a straight line.

They can also use roadside drug kits to screen for cannabis and cocaine.

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RUNCORN

Cabbies woke up shocked this morning to find the windows of at an estimated five taxis had been smashed overnight during a suspected theft spree in Runcorn.

Apec Taxis said four of its vehicles had been targeted plus an independent vehicle in Halton Brook, Halton Lodge and around the Town Hall estate including Stenhills Crescent.


Michael Holland, the firm’s secretary, said the incidents would take five taxis out of action for up to two days for cleaning and repairs meaning a loss of income.

Taxi-driving couple Mel and Julie Snelson also had their wheelchair-access black cab targeted, with the culprit making off with two coats but leaving a satnav and dashcam behind.

Their son Dan Snelson captured CCTV of a hooded suspect trying to open the door of a vehicle.

They said a disabled-access taxi was among those targeted overnight.

Police are now investigating and said they received three reports of thefts from vehicles.

Mr Holland said: "The drivers have gone out to go to work to find their windows smashed, all round Halton Brook and Town Hall estate.

"One of our drivers has CCTV footage and he’s come back and looked at it.

"You can actually see a youngish-type gentleman doing it.

"All four of the cabs are out of action until they can get the glass cleaned out and the replacement windows.

"Some could be off for a day or off for a couple of days.

"Some are London-type taxis and they’re quite rare now, so we’d have to go to a specialist."

 A Cheshire police spokesman said: "Officers are investigating reports of three thefts from motor vehicles in Runcorn.

"All of the incidents involved taxis and are believed to have occurred between 4pm, Tuesday, March 26, and 8am on Wednesday, March 27.

"Anyone with any information which may assist the investigation is asked to contact Cheshire police on 101 quoting IML 357911."

Alternatively information can be provided online or via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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