Taxi driver flouted sign as he picked up fare, 93

Terence Chaplin drove through a no entry sign on to a pedestrian zone and was seen by a council official.

Chaplin, 68, of Woodcock Close, Thornton, pleaded guilty to failing to comply with a traffic sign.

Lynda Bennett, prosecuting for Blackpool Council, said a public protection officer was carrying out observations on taxis on March 29.

At 1.30pm the official saw Chaplin enter the Promenade from West Street. He had failed to comply with a no entry sign into a pedestrian zone.

Chaplin said he had gone to pick up a 93-year-old woman who had been having lunch at the Mitre pub. At the time the street was completely deserted.

A letter from the woman passenger was read to the court. It stated: “I am a little frail, the taxi was only there a very short time while I walked to the cab. I’m very sorry for being the cause of this fellow being in court.”

He was fined £45 with £100 costs plus £20 victims’ surcharge by Blackpool magistrates who also put three motoring penalty points on his driving licence.

Follow us on twitter @The_Gazette and like our page on facebook to keep up with all the latest news.