Taxi driver fined £2k for “careless” U-turn

Thursday 27 June 2019

A taxi driver has been fined almost £2,000 for performing a “careless” U-turn that caused a young motorcyclist to suffer “horrible” injuries last year.

Robert Andrew Mason (73) was charged with a single count of careless driving after a manoeuvre he performed in the road left a young motorist with ligament damage, bruising and a sore head.

The Magistrate's Court heard that the incident – which took place on 25 June last year near to the Beau Rivage Hotel – was “clearly a momentary lapse”, but with "horrible" consequences.

The crash happened just after 22:00 on the evening in question when Mason was working and “arrived early for his fare” by the Beau Rivage Hotel. In order to face in the right direction by the time his passengers came to the car, he “pulled into the car park [and] immediately did a U-turn in the road” so that he could prepare to “head back in the direction of St. Brelade’s Church. 

Pictured: The taxi driver crossed the line of traffic to complete the U-turn.

It was during this “manoeuvre” that a small motorbike “struck” his car whilst trying to swerve out of his way. Mason “immediately stopped and called the emergency services” and the young female rider of the bike was left injured by the collision.

The crash was captured on CCTV and Magistrate Bridget Shaw watched the footage after hearing the facts of the case.

Mason’s lawyer, Advocate Debbie Corbel, emphasised that her client has “been entirely cooperative with the Police” and “shown great concern… for the young lady’s welfare." 

She explained that Mason has “been driving since he was 17” and that, until this incident in his 70’s, he had a “completely clean driving licence.”

Pictured: The case was heard in the Magistrate's Court.

Advocate Corbel also told the Court that the crash has “knocked Mr Mason’s confidence” and that since it happened, he has taken the decision “not to drive at night anymore.” 

Having heard all the circumstances, the Magistrate addressed Mason directly, warning him that as “an experienced driver” he should know that, when performing a U-turn, “you do have to pause and think and look.” 

She continued: “You didn’t give enough time and care and attention… In doing so you’ve caused some quite significant injuries to this young lady.”

Imposing a fine of £1,900 for the offence, the Magistrate decided not to disqualify Mason from driving, but she did put a black mark against his licence for the incident.