Criminal past of taxi drivers in Hertsmere revealedCausing death by dangerous driving, drink driving and sexual assault are some of the criminal convictions held by taxi drivers operating in Bushey.
Figures obtained by the Watford Observer under the Freedom of Information Act has revealed that Hertsmere Borough Council has granted taxi licences to 390 drivers 38 of whom hold a total of 42 convictions.
Some drivers have been allowed to drive passengers in the borough despite holding violent, driving and even sex offence convictions.
The council defended its licensing policy saying it would usually refuse an application from people with serious convictions.
Hertsmere said that drivers who were refused licences could appeal decisions made by the council and take the case to a magistrates’ court.
A spokesman for the council said: "Potential drivers are subject to a number of checks including criminal records checks, medical and vehicle checks and knowledge tests.
"Passenger safety is paramount and we make every reasonable step to reduce any risks to the public."
The figures show that many of the convictions held are at least 10 years old, with the oldest being from 1959.
However the most recent offence was a sexual assault, which did not involve penetration, from 2006.
The list showed taxi drivers in Hertsmere held a total of 21 driving offences including five convictions for drink driving, all between 1981 and 1990, one for death by dangerous driving from 1965 and one conviction for vehicle interference from 1982.
Among the more minor driving convictions held taxi drivers were three for driving without due care and attention between 1974 and 2005, two for failing to comply with traffic signals and eight for driving with no insurance.
The records also revealed that taxi licences had been given to drivers with violent convictions such as causing grievous bodily harm from 1959, causing actual bodily harm with threats to kill from 2000 and seven convictions for more minor assaults.
Other convictions held by cab drivers in Hertsmere one for false accounting, two for possession of drugs, two for shoplifting, four thefts and one for plying for hire.
Following the release of the figures a spokesman for Hertsmere Borough Council added: "Passengers should always pre-book minicabs and do not flag them down (only Hackney cabs are licensed to do this) and never get into a vehicle purporting to be a minicab if you are in any way unsure about its validity.
"All licenced vehicles will have identification badges and plates. If anyone has concerns about the conduct of drivers, or the condition of their vehicles they should report it to us or to the police."
http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/news/9 ... _revealed/
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