TAXI COP: Taxi drivers face LOSING THEIR TAXI LICENCE if found driving with a phone in their hand

Taxi drivers could face LOSING their taxi driving licences should they be found driving with a mobile phone in their hand says taxi cop.

Since 25 March, all motorists are now breaking the law if they use a handheld mobile phone behind the wheel for anything, including to take photos or videos, scroll through playlists or play games – as the Government closes a loophole previously exploited by dangerous drivers to escape conviction.

Anyone found using their hand-held device while driving could face a fine of up to £1,000 as well as 6 points on their licence or a full driving ban.

However, stricter rules have been applied to taxi and private hire drivers found guilty of the offence, with one licensed taxi driver in Bristol losing his licence to work as a cabbie.

PC Patrick Quinton, a police taxi compliance officer, spoke on the topic of mobile device usage with South Gloucester Council on video, and said: “Just a few months ago a Hackney Carriage driver here in Bristol had his licence revoked, because I found him using his mobile phone in his hand whilst he was driving. I’m sure we would all agree that is completely unacceptable.

“It is worth knowing that if the council do revoke a licence for the use of a mobile phone, they are unlikely to give you a licence back for at least four to five years.

“So they (the council) take it really seriously.”

PC Quinton added: “My message to driver would be to never have the phone in your hand, on your lap, or balanced somewhere. It needs to go in a proper cradle that’s secure and then you can use it to take bookings for example.”