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Posted on the 30th June 2025 in PHTM News
TELFORD COUNCILLOR RAISES ALARM TAXI DRIVERS FALLING ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL
A Telford & Wrekin councillor has voiced serious concerns about taxi drivers "falling asleep at the wheel," alleging she has witnessed such incidents "umpteen times" while using cabs.
Labour Cllr Corrine Chikandamina, who estimates she takes taxis 1,500 times a year, brought the alarming issue to a meeting of the Regulatory Committee on Thursday, June 26.
She questioned what measures Telford & Wrekin Council has in place to prevent drivers from "pushing their luck" by working excessive hours.
"I am an avid taxi person, but I have been in umpteen taxis where the driver has been falling asleep at the wheel," Cllr Chikandamina stated at the meeting.
She added that she had reported incidents to companies but received no feedback.
"How do we know that it has been dealt with?" she asked, further inquiring: "Is there a policy in place which prevents a driver saying I’m going to push my luck here and potentially could cause an accident?"
Council officers clarified that such incidents can be reported directly to Telford & Wrekin Council. Working an "inordinate amount of hours" could violate regulations requiring drivers to be a "fit and proper person" for the job.
"It is really, really worrying and it should be reported to us and we will do what needs to be done," a council officer reassured councillors. "Companies should be monitoring it."
The officer also expressed hope that drivers licensed by Telford & Wrekin Council, known for their good record of knowledge and compliance, were not responsible for these actions.
However, the meeting acknowledged that drivers can hold licences from other areas and operate within the borough.
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