Taxi Driver Online

A TAXI driver who installed pepper spray on his dashboard and carried a wrench for his own safety has lost his job.

Police pulled Paul Rhodes, of Stringer Crescent, Westy, over in his car for a stop check at 8.30am on September 14.

Sara Drysdale, prosecuting, said: “The car was searched and a canister of pepper spray was attached to the dashboard and a wrench under the driver’s seat.

“He said he was in possession of a wrench for protection within his role as a private hire driver.”

Warrington Magistrates’ Court heard on Monday that the defendant had bought the pepper spray on e-Bay and said he would not hesitate to use it if he needed to against a violent customer.

John Barnes, defending the 34-year-old, said: “There are a numerous incidents that do occur with drunken customers and taxi drivers.

“This is a man of good character, never been in trouble before.”

He said Rhodes was no longer able to work as a taxi driver and had secured work driving a 7.5ton vehicle for an agency.

District Judge Bridget Knight said: “It is not America, we don’t have a constitutional right to carry weapons. In your circumstances if you had been attacked, you may have been with the wrench which you had in your possession.

“Thankfully you have not had to use them.

“I hope that driving a 7.5ton vehicle you won’t have to resort to having weapons for your self defence.”

Rhodes received a 150-hour community order and was ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs.

Phil Barnes, hackney/private hire licensing officer at Warrington Borough Council, said: “Unfortunately, there have been isolated incidents in Warrington where taxi/private hire drivers have been attacked, while driving thier cabs.

“While the council recognises the possible dangers to these drivers, we do not condone the carrying of weapons under any circumstances. There are in fact many nationally reported incidents where weapons have been used against taxi drivers.” He said methods are available to help drivers, such as an NVQ for taxi drivers at Warrington Collegiate, which covers conflict management techniques. Other options such as CCTV systems and driver safety shields are also available.

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

Quote:

He said methods are available to help drivers, such as an NVQ for taxi drivers at Warrington Collegiate, which covers conflict management techniques. Other options such as CCTV systems and driver safety shields are also available.

Great....hit them over the head with an NVQ

ffs

CC

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

Now we all know it's illegal to have pepper spray etc etc.

But if you had it I wonder how many drivers wouldn't use it against a violent customer.

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IDFIMH

always carried a spay can of deodorant air freshener,myself .It kept things under control.....NO COMMENTS PLEASE.

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