Action taken against 16 Walsall taxi drivers
More than a dozen taxi drivers have been warned, given penalty points or had their licences revoked in Walsall in the space of six months, it has emerged.
Drivers have been penalised for a range of offences ranging from overcharging, drink driving and failing to properly secure a wheelchair.
Enforcement action was taken by Walsall Council's licensing officers on 16 occasions between last August and January this year.
One driver had a licence revoked after using inappropriate language to a female passenger and another for having a conviction of sexual assault.
One man who was convicted of plying for hire and using a vehicle without insurance was hit with a bill of £920 and had his licence endorsed with six penalty points.
Other reasons for being brought before the council were having too many points and not producing medical reports.
Suspensions given out during the six month period ranged from 14 days to three months while some were ordered to go a driving course.
The Licensing Enforcement team conducts covert operations targeting plying for hire and failing to set meters, as well as dealing with complaints from members of the public, drivers and other agencies.
