Vancouver-area taxi driver caught impaired behind the wheel, police say

The 33-year-old driver from Delta was issued a 90-day roadside driving prohibition and his cab was impounded for 30 days at the taxi company’s expense, according to police. (Handout)

A Vancouver-area taxi driver was handed a 90-day driving prohibition and his cab was impounded for 30 days after he was caught impaired behind the wheel while leaving a liquor store last week, according to police.

The B.C. Highway Patrol says an officer spotted the taxi leaving a Richmond liquor store without a passenger shortly after 8 a.m. on April 29.

“He decided it was important to check that the man behind the wheel was safe to drive,” said Cpl. Michael McLaughlin in a statement Monday.

The officer stopped the yellow Toyota Prius on Alexandra Road and administered an alcohol-screening breath test, which the driver failed twice, police said.

The 33-year-old driver from Delta was issued a 90-day roadside driving prohibition and his cab was impounded for 30 days at the taxi company’s expense, according to the statement.

“The vast majority of taxi drivers take their jobs seriously and are sober,” McLaughlin said.

“But if you’re ever a passenger and you feel like something is wrong, do not hesitate to call police right away. Your safety is our top priority.”