TAXI-DRIVER LOSES LICENCE

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28532, 11 March 1958, Page 5

TAXI-DRIVER LOSES LICENCE

* Cancellation For Three Months

(New Ze.aiauo Press Association > HAMILTON, March 10.

A Hamilton taxi-driver had his licence cancelled for three months when he appeared in the Hamilton Magistrate's Court today charged with driving in a manner that might have been dangerous. He is Mervyn Dixon (Mr J. E. Allen). He pleaded not guilty. Dixon was charged as a result of a complaint made by a motorist he passed on the incorrect side on the four-way motor lane near Te Rapa. The motorist, William Dobier, a public relations consultant, of Auckland, said he was in the middle lane of the road, having overtaken another vehicle, when a blur went past him on his left. He got quite a shock and was annoyed about it. so decided to’ chase the car and note the number. He said he reached 65 miles an hour without making any impression on the car, and in the city area speeds reached 45 miles an hour. At the hospital, where the taxi stopped, he warned the driver he was going to lay a complaint. The driver said he was allowed to speed when he had patients in the car.

Mr Allen said that Dobier’s car had been travelling in the middle lane for some time, and Dixon said he did not travel at the speeds estimated by Dobier. In evidence Dixon said he thought that on a four-lane highway it was legal to pass on the left.

Mr L. M. Inglis, S.M., said that Dixon should have known better, and if he had thought that he should not have had a licence. A serious accident might well have resulted. “If a taxi-driver makes a blue he can expect to get it harder than other people,” tne Magistrate said. “He is entrusted with members of the public, and is responsible for their safety.” Dixon was fined £lO and ordered to pay £ll 16s witnesses’ expenses.