Taxi driver who hit pedestrian renews licence

AGLASGOW taxi driver who knocked down a pedestrian two years ago has renewed his licence with the city council.

John Totten was fined £600 and had his driver’s licence endorsed with seven penalty points after he reversed his vehicle without due care or attention and struck a witness trying to cross the road.

The man was taken to Glasgow Royal Infirmary where he was diagnosed with whiplash and damaged ligaments to his right knee.

Mr Totten was asked to explain himself before the licensing committee yesterday.

He said: “I was parked on the west side of Hope Street waiting to join the rank and I was in a queue of about three or four taxis.

“The taxi behind me moved back one car length. Having noticed this, I looked in my mirrors and I started to reverse very slowly. I heard a bang on the back of the vehicle. I stopped the car and went round to the back of it.

“About three feet behind the vehicle I noticed a person bent down and getting up. He started shouting verbal abuse at me. He walked away quite briskly, and I never thought any more of it.

“About 25 minutes later I had re-joined the rank, but the person came back as he wanted my details which I provided.”

Members of asked Mr the committee Totten what he had learned experience.

Chairman councillor Alex Wilson said: “As a result you were fined £600 and had seven penalty points put on your licence. Do you think that you were at fault for this and to blame? Was the pedestrian trying to cut in behind you?”

Mr Totten responded: “I think he probably looked down Hope Street, did not see any traffic or me and took a dash off the pavement to try and cross the road.

“What happened was an accident. I am still driving and have not had any further incidents. I have been driving for 20 years.”

The outcome of this case, which includes a severe warning, will be sent to Mr Totten. from his