Taxi driver loses licence (From Watford Observer)

Taxi driver loses licence

10:30am Wednesday 16th July 2008 in News

Being rude to a disabled passenger ended costing a taxi driver his job.

Ishtiaq Malik was already on six points of Watford Borough Council’s disciplinary procedure for driving while using a mobile phone when a further incident of his unacceptable behaviour was brought to its attention.

Pauline Watt reported Malik for his rudeness when she asked him to drive her the short distance from Watford Junction train station to the top of Clarendon Road.

While the council investigated they discovered his licence had expired and that he was driving without insurance.

During dealings with the council over the telephone Malik was rude and aggressive, shouting down the phone to two different employees.

He received five penalty points for each ‘offence’ and was given another five for the way he treated Ms Watt, taking him past the 20 points a year the council allows before a licence is revoked.

Malik’s appeal was rejected at Watford Magistrates Court after officers and Ms Watt gave evidence against him.

Ms Watt, who was invited to give evidence from a chair, told the court when she approached Malik’s cab at the head of the rank she asked to be taken to the top of Clarendon Road.

Ms Watt said: “He said ‘that’s Clarendon Road’ and I said ‘I am well aware of where Clarendon Road is’. He said ‘why don’t you walk?’ and I don’t think I should justify myself why I cannot walk that distance.”

During cross examination Tony Irving, representing Malik, put it to Ms Watt that his client was “trying to do you a favour” by pointing out that Clarendon Road was a short distance and she could walk.

Ms Watt replied: “I do not accept that. I think he was saying ‘there’s Clarendon Road you should walk’.”

After paying the driver, including a tip, Ms Watt requested his licence number, but Malik refused.

“I got in his car and he drove me up the road. There was a bit of conversation. I paid him and gave him a tip like I do all of them. I asked him for his number and he said ‘I do not have to give you my number’ and I could not see it inside and so took it when I got out.”

She said on the journey: “He moaned that he would lose his place in the taxi queue. He was being very aggressive. I was quite upset. He asked why I do not walk, but I do not think I should have to justify myself and give him a reason.”

Magistrates ruled the council was reasonable in revoking the driver’s licence. However, the council was only awarded £500 of its costs because Malik could have been offered an internal appeal rather than having to go to court.

Malik has 21 days to appeal the latest decision at the Crown Court.