A taxi driver in British Columbia was fined and his cab was impounded after police say he was caught speeding with a passenger who had just lost their own vehicle for the same offence. The incident happened around 11 a.m. Monday near Porteau Cove, south of Squamish, according to B.C. Highway Patrol. Police said the white Toyota Corolla taxi was travelling at 133 km/h in an 80 km/h zone on the Sea to Sky Highway. The taxi driver, a 65-year-old Squamish resident, was fined $368 for excessive speeding, and the taxi was impounded for seven days. “The passenger in the back seat had just lost their own vehicle to an excessive speeding impound,” the highway patrol said in a statement. Police said the taxi driver will also face three years of high-risk driver premiums and increased insurance costs, bringing the total financial impact to more than $2,000. “Professional drivers do not get a pass to disobey the law. They are expected to know better,” Sgt. Michael McLaughlin said in the statement. McLaughlin urged passengers to speak up if they feel unsafe. “Passengers also have every right to politely ask their drivers to obey the law,” McLaughlin said. “If you’re not comfortable with a taxi or ride-share driver speeding or driving distracted, say something.” The taxi was one of 21 vehicles police said were impounded for excessive speeding on the Sea to Sky Highway on Labour Day.
