Taxi Driver Online

How many times have we read stories of unlicensed taxi drivers involved in accidents that have brought untold misery to those involved. A man in Wales who is accused of driving a hackney carriage vehicle without a hackney carriage license or insurance was involved in a fatal accident which killed a pedestrian.

We don't yet know if the accusations are true as the accused hasn't yet entered a plea. The story is as follows.
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South Wales Echo

July 11, 2007, Wednesday

HEADLINE: Man died after being knocked down by taxi

Katie Norman South Wales Echo

A man died after being knocked down by a taxi while walking home following a night out with colleagues.

James William Green, 34, died after being hit by a taxi on Newport Road, Roath, Cardiff, an inquest at Cardiff Coroner's Court heard.

The transport manager, of Princes Avenue, Roath, was knocked unconscious by the collision at about 2am on December 16.

An ambulance took him to University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, where he died of head injuries two days later.

Recording a verdict of accidental death, Cardiff coroner Mary Hassell said it was likely James died without consciously suffering.

Taxi driver Waseem Asgar had not seen James until the moment of the impact.

He said: "There are some trees at the side of Newport Road. They're quite thick.

"I think he might have been coming out from behind a tree."

Police said there was no evidence Mr Asgar had been driving dangerously or carelessly, but he was due to appear at Cardiff Magistrates' Court charged with driving without a hackney carriage licence and without insurance at the time of the incident.

He has yet to enter a plea.

Jonathan Searle and Mary Urquhart were passengers inside the taxi at the time of the accident.

They said Mr Asgar's driving appeared safe and the pedestrian seemed to have been at fault.

Mr Searle said: "The taxi driver immediately stopped and seemed genuinely upset.

"It felt like a tragic accident."

James' friend and colleague, Iain Hayes, was the last person known to speak to him alive.

They had both been tipsy but not drunk when they parted on Queen Street to head home after their evening out.

Describing his friend, he said: "He was a very jovial and funny guy. He always kept a smile on my face anyway."

James' devastated family thanked the emergency services for their efforts.

They will never know why he stepped out into the road, which he had not needed to cross on his route home.

Ms Hassell said: "I'm afraid we will never know the answer to that.

"James is the only person who would know."
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If it is true that he was unlicensed, then it would seem that it is a classic case of the "Brothers" passing the badge around!

Again if it is true, the owner of the said vehicle should be made to account as to how the vehicle was on the road.

If it is a clear cut case of an existing driver renting the car out illegally, then the plate should be taken back and the car crushed or sold on as a private vehicle.

But! we shall wait and see.

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if you cannot be yourself, then who can you be.