Taxi driver loses licence after driving on the wrong side of the road and lying about cyclist hit-an

A Leicestershire taxi driver has lost his licence after it was proven that he lied about a hit-and-run incident he was involved in.

Video evidence captured by the victim on his headcam showed the taxi driver turning a tight corner on the wrong side of the road and hitting the oncoming cyclist which was originally denied by the taxi driver.

The video footage enabled NWLDC licensing officers to identify both the vehicle and the driver, who said the collision was the fault of the cyclist, whom he falsely claimed had been riding in the middle of the road.

The footage, released by North West Leicestershire District Council shows the incident which took place just before 7.45am on the morning of Friday 11 January. Cyclist Dylan May, sustained injuries to his arm, shoulder and elbow, as well as damaging his bike.

Although there was clearly a substantial collision, the cab driver failed to stop at the scene.

Once presented with the headcam footage, the taxi driver changed his statement and admitted that he had caused the crash and had failed to stop at the scene.

As reported by the Road CC, the NWLDC said that due to the serious nature of the incident, the driver’s failure to stop and what it described as his “clear dishonesty about the crash after the event,” it had revoked his licence. Councillor Alison Smith, NWLDC’s portfolio holder for community services, said: “This was an appalling incident.

"The quality of the driving which led to the collision was poor but the reaction of driving away and then lying about the incident afterwards was particularly unacceptable. “Taxi driving is a profession and we’re delighted that the majority of drivers in North West Leicestershire have very high standards and integrity. This driver though clearly lacked both and is no longer licensed to work in our district.” She also added: “We want people to feel confident and safe when they use taxis, and our efforts to revoke this driver’s licence shows our commitment to ensuring this.” Cyclist Mr May said: “I still now can’t believe somebody would collide with a cyclist and just drive off, especially a so-called professional taxi driver. “The licensing team at the district council has been very helpful and understanding, and the matter was sorted quickly.”

(Video credit:YouTube-North West Leicestershire District Council)