MERSEYSIDE

A Sefton driver became the 114th cabbie or private hire operator to be arrested for drink or drug driving in Merseyside in the past year.

The figures - which show more than three arrests per day on average - have prompted Merseyside Police to reissue a warning to cabbies and private hire drivers that taking drugs and driving could result in losing their job, being imprisoned and even them or someone else dying.

According to a tweet by the Road Policing Unit, prior to the most recent arrest 11 licenses drivers had been arrested for drink driving while a massive (102) licensed drivers had been arrested for drug driving.

Fifty four drivers had been stopped by Liverpool licensing, 39 by Sefton licensing, 15 in Knowsley and five were listed as "other".

A Merseyside Police spokesman said: “Drink and 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 drink or drugs.

“While these drivers represent a small minority, the potential danger they present, not just to themselves but to other road users and pedestrians cannot be ignored and should be taken extremely seriously. That’s why as a force we regularly undertake roadside operations to stop those who take to the roads while impaired through drink or drugs.

“We’d like to remind everyone to think for a minute about the effects of a drink and drug driving conviction will have on you and your family, the shame and ruin that it can bring. Do not think that you won’t get caught. Our officers conduct roadside tests, morning afternoon and evening and we arrest countless drivers every month throughout the year. Don’t chance it – if you’re driving, it’s better to have none for the road.”

It is councils who make the decisions on whether to issue or revoke licences for drivers, and Sefton Council says it takes such offences very seriously.

Documents on the authorities website state: "A serious view is taken of any motoring conviction for driving, attempting to drive, being in charge of a motor vehicle whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and failure to supply a specimen.


"A person who has been disqualified from driving as a result of such an offence is likely to be refused a licence for a period of at least four years after the restoration of their DVLA driving licence.

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Uber shares plunge 11% on second day of trading amid concerns about how the taxi app firm will ever turn a profit

Uber shares plunged by as much as 11 per cent on its second day of trading.

The drop came after the taxi app company had a rough stock market debut on Friday, closing $3.38 lower than its float price of $45.

And yesterday shares hit a low of $37.17 – 10.7 per cent lower than the business's closing price on Friday and an overall drop of 17 per cent from the float price.

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COLCHESTER

TAXI drivers are being warned they could face sanctions for not displaying company signs on their vehicles as council bosses look to protect passengers.

Colchester Council's strict rules for licensed drivers state they must display the company they work for on the doors of their vehicles.

They also have to show information as to whether it is a taxi which can only be pre-booked.

The regulations are designed to protect the public and reassure customers they are getting into a legitimate vehicle they actually ordered.

Council bosses have noticed a spike in the number of people not displaying the correct signs - last year 34 drivers were caught.

And so far this year 29 have already been hauled over the coals by the authority.

It equates to 46 per cent of all offences recorded against taxi drivers.

Drivers can receive six points on their licence if they fall foul of the rules twice and may also be subject to a written warning and even a 28 day suspension from duties if they tot up 12 points within a year.

Repeated breaches can also send insurance costs spiralling for drivers.

The council's cabinet member for public safety Mike Lilley (Lab) said he was concerned to see drivers continually ignoring the rules which are set out to ensure people stay safe.

He said: "Public safety should be of paramount concern to everyone.

"These rules exist for a very good reason, to reassure and protect passengers, but unfortunately some licensed taxi drivers seem determined to flout them.

“The majority of private hire companies and their drivers carry out their trade lawfully and condemn the few that bring the trade into disrepute.

"We hope that all legitimately licensed private hire vehicle drivers will heed our advice, follow the rules, and continue to display the appropriate signs on the doors of their vehicles.”

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