Taxi driver suspended after conduct complaints

Nineteen complaints were received between 18 August and 28 September

A taxi driver has had her licence suspended with immediate effect following a series of complaints.

Torbay Council's regulatory sub-committee made the decision after viewing CCTV footage of two traffic incidents, including the driver reversing into oncoming traffic at a Torquay taxi rank and a near-miss at Paignton railway station, said the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Other allegations included sleeping in her cab while on duty, refusing card payments, failing to queue properly, and aggressive behaviour.

The unnamed driver, who denied all accusations, will have her licence suspended for three months, but she could return to work sooner if she completes training.

A licensing officer told councillors 19 complaints were received between 18 August and 28 September, the most he had ever seen in such a short time against one driver.

The committee said the suspension was "in the interest of public and customer safety" and concluded the driver was not currently a fit and proper person to hold a licence.

The driver denied all accusations and said there had been misunderstandings. She claimed other drivers had approached her aggressively and argued there was no clear signage about permits at Paignton station.

She insisted the CCTV clips did not show anyone being put at risk, noting one incident happened when her cab was empty.

The report confirmed councillors considered whether the complaints were part of a campaign against her but decided they were genuine.