Taxi driver four times over drink-drive limit

An Auckland taxi driver has been caught allegedly four times over the new drink-drive limit.

The company he works for has been unable to confirm whether or not he is still working as a taxi driver.

It is understood the man was stopped by Counties Manukau police last month and allegedly blew a breath-alcohol reading of 1000 micrograms of alcohol per litre of breath.

Legislation changes, which came into force only days ago, mean that blowing over 250 sees a driver fined and given demerit points.

A reading of more than 400 puts the driver before the courts.

It is believed the cab driver was working for Auckland Co-op Taxis at the time he was pulled over.

It is unknown whether there were passengers in his vehicle.

The company was asked whether it was aware of the driver's alleged indiscretion and whether he had been stood down.

But they were unable to confirm or deny whether or not the man was still on the road.

Auckland Co-op Taxis did not respond after questions were emailed to bosses.

According to its website, Auckland Co-op Taxis boasts more than 760 vehicles in its fleet and puts its drivers through rigorous area-knowledge tests as well as internal driving assessments.

New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) said it would not comment on individual cases before they had been dealt with by the court but any cases of drink driving were a huge concern.

"While most taxi drivers provide safe and reliable service, it's very disappointing any time a taxi driver is convicted of a serious offence such as drink-driving, especially in light of the important role taxis play in providing safe alternatives to reduce drink-driving," a spokesman said.

"Everyone should have confidence that they can hire a taxi so that they can get to their destination safely."

If the taxi driver is convicted of drink driving he will face a mandatory disqualification of at least six months and will have to reapply for a P (passenger) endorsement on their licence - which is required to work in the industry - at the conclusion of the ban.

But there is no guarantee people with convictions will be allowed behind the wheel of a cab.

NZTA does a "fit and proper person check" on anyone seeking the endorsement taking into account all prior convictions in New Zealand and overseas as well failure to pay fines or a "history of behavioural problems".

The taxi driver allegedly caught boozed on the job has no court appearance scheduled yet but that is expected to be confirmed in the coming weeks.

IN AUCKLAND

33 Approved Taxi Organisations

2864 taxis

3808 registered drivers

By Rob Kidd of the NZME. News Service

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