 Gary Martin will be allowed to return to work |
A Mansfield taxi driver has been suspended from his job after being caught sending a text message while driving his cab. Gary Martin will not be allowed to operate as a taxi driver for 28 days after a meeting at Mansfield District Council decided his punishment.
The council says Mr Martin will be allowed to return to work but hopes the suspension of his license will serve as a warning to all taxi drivers.
He was caught when a passenger, who happened to be a former detective inspector, saw him using his phone.
Serious accusations
The passenger said Mr Martin was texting with his right hand, leaving the steering wheel free when he changed gear.
The taxi also came close to striking bollards at the side of the road, the council was told.
Andre Camilari, from Mansfield council said: "The majority of the taxi drivers in the Mansfield district are extremely good and I believe this is a one off.
"It does send a message out that if they did things like this we will come down pretty hard because it is a serious accusation.
"Using the phone, texting, even smoking in the car, these are serious things."
One-Minute World News 
News services
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
