Kentish Express Ashford & District
Unhappy passenger still seeking answers to his questions Ticking-off for taxi driver who played ‘Muslim’ video
selvey@thekmgroup.co.uk A taxi driver who was accused of playing “offensive” religious videos in his cab while driving has been given a verbal warning by the council.
In December business owner Andrew Devine described how he got into a taxi at Ashford International Station with his wife Janice – and within minutes the driver began playing what the passenger believed was a proMuslim video.
Mr Devine, 52, of South Ashford, said he and his partner were also locked in the car after asking the driver to stop and were not let out until they handed over a small fare.
Mr Devine made a complaint to Ashford Council, the authority responsible for issuing taxi licences, and after an investigation the driver was given a warning.
Ashford council spokesman Sinead Hanna said: “A complaint was received and investigated by the licensing team.
“The incident has been dealt with by way of a verbal warning. This matter has now been resolved and the complainant has been fully updated with the result.”
Speaking after the warning was given, Mr Devine told the Kentish Express he was not entirely happy with the response and his questions had not been fully answered.
He said: “The council seems to think a warning is adequate because this is the first time he has done anything wrong. I’m happy they investigated but I’m not completely happy with the council.
“My question has still not been answered – why did he do it? Why did he think it was a suitable thing to play?
“I still feel angry that he felt he could do that.”
Mr Devine said a council employee who visited him to discuss the matter offered to set up a face-to-face meeting between him and the driver.
He continued: “I originally said no but I think I will because I want to ask him why he did it.”
It is believed the taxi driver was operating independently and was not linked to any of the town’s cab firms.