Cornwall taxi driver loses licence after abusive confrontation over parking ticket at school gates
A taxi driver in Cornwall has had their licence revoked after an aggressive altercation with a parking enforcement officer outside a primary school.
The incident occurred at a pedestrian crossing, where the driver had parked on zig-zag lines. After receiving a parking charge notice, the driver pursued the enforcement officer to challenge the fine.
During the confrontation, witnessed by young children, the driver swore and acted abusively. The exchange was recorded on the officer’s body-worn camera.
Cornwall Council’s licensing compliance team investigated the matter, leading to a hearing before the licensing committee. After reviewing the evidence, the committee ruled that the driver’s actions were unacceptable for a professional licensed by the Council.
The decision was made on the grounds that the driver’s conduct did not meet the standards expected of a fit and proper person to hold a taxi licence.
Councillor Carol Mould, portfolio holder for Neighbourhoods at Cornwall Council, said: “We will not tolerate any kind of abuse towards our staff, or members of the public.
“This individual’s behaviour was totally unacceptable. We expect taxi drivers to abide by the Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards and those who fail to do so risk losing their licence.”
Councillor Martyn Alvey, portfolio holder with responsibility for enforcement at Cornwall Council, said: “Our officers play a really important role in keeping communities safe.
“Unfortunately, there are often incidents around schools where drivers get impatient and sometimes aggressive.
“Zig-zag restrictions outside schools are there to protect children, who could be distracted because they may not have the same level of road sense as adults. Due to the danger it presents to children, we take a zero tolerance approach to people who park on zig-zags outside schools.
“This driver’s behaviour was totally unacceptable. We ask that all drivers are patient and considerate, particularly around schools, and make sure they abide by the traffic regulations that are in place.”
