BOLTON

 A CABBIE has been suspended for 12 weeks after he was spotted making an illegal U-turn.

The taxi driver was also accused of overcharging a passenger in June 2016.

He was also issued a "significant" fine and penalty points after failing to present personal details when asked by authorities in January 2018 following an alleged speeding offence.

The licensing sub-committee heard his explanation of events that led up to the offence.

He admitted to receiving the request for information but had failed to respond to the police as he claimed he had not been speeding.

Councillors were concerned that the driver had been using the vehicle as a taxi at the time of the speeding incident, according to minutes from the meeting in August.

They said: "Members also referred to the second complaint which the driver admitted to and were concerned that making an illegal U- turn on Bradford Street was an extremely dangerous manoeuvre and could have put himself and other members of the public in danger."

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 BOLTON AGAIN

A taxi driver has lost his licence after he was accused of sexually assaulting a passenger.

Allegations that he kissed the passenger and asked, "would you like me to take you to bed", were made to the police in July 2017.

The victim reported the incident to the police the day after it took place but decided not to pursue the matter.

The allegations resurfaced when the driver applied to renew his licence to drive a private hire vehicle.

He failed to attend hearings on July 16 and August 20.

The applicant had been informed after the first meeting that his application may be determined in his absence if he failed to attend the re-arranged meeting.

Councillors on the licensing sub-committee in Bolton refused to renew his private hire licence at a town hall hearing last month.


They were not satisfied that the applicant is a fit and proper person to hold a licence, according to minutes from the meeting released this week.

They said: "Following consideration of all the evidence the sub-committee noted a serious allegation of sexual assault against the applicant. Drivers are placed in a position of trust and have a duty to conduct themselves in a lawful and professional manner at all times."

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 SCOTTISH TUK TUK

A tuk-tuk taxi service in Dumfries and Galloway has led concerns from the local council and police service.

The Dumfries and Galloway Council received an inquiry relating to the application for a licence by a possible tuk-tuk taxi service, which has raised police safety concerns.

Responding to the report sent to the local authority's licensing panel, the police expressed fears over the lack of doors in the three-wheeled vehicle alongside fears of the motor tipping over at roundabouts or when taking sharp turns due to its design.

The panel is asked to decide whether the tuk-tuk, which has the basic construction of a motor-cycle and is built on an open frame, is suitable to be used as a taxi or private hire.

Traditionally used in countries with warmer climates, the tuk-tuk, or auto rickshaw as it is known in India, is named after the sound the stuttering engine makes.

In the early 2000s, tuk-tuks made their debut in London, where the vehicle used as a taxi prompted backlash from lack-cab drivers who argued this form of "third world" transport was unsuitable in the busy capital, and should be considered death traps.

The autorick could now pave its way onto roads in Southern Scotland, if the lcience request is approved by the council.

However, with a maximum speed of 40 mph, those opposing its introduction argue it could increase the risk of accidents and obstruct other vehicles on rural roads.

The vehicle has no airbags built in and police has argued the lack of protection systems would present a significant risk of injury or worse to any occupants.

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