12/02/2020
A shocking incident involving a Member of Parliament and a taxi driver has come to light, detailing a bizarre and aggressive confrontation that occurred late on a Friday night. The altercation, which reportedly took place in Saint-Mandé, Val-de-Marne, saw MP Laetitia Avia allegedly bite the shoulder of a taxi driver after a dispute over payment methods.
The Dispute Unfolds
The incident occurred around 11:30 PM on Friday, June 23rd. According to reports, the elected official, Laetitia Avia, a deputy for the 8th constituency of Paris, was unable to pay her 12-euro taxi fare because the card payment terminal was out of service. Ms. Avia stated that she only had her bank card with her and therefore could not settle the bill. The taxi driver, attempting to resolve the situation, offered to take her to an ATM so she could withdraw the necessary cash. However, Ms. Avia reportedly refused this offer, expressing her indignation at having to pay for a taxi that did not accept card payments.
The situation took a turn for the worse when the driver, frustrated by the refusal to pay or seek an alternative payment method, began to drive. It was at this point that Ms. Avia allegedly bit the driver's shoulder. The exact sequence of events leading to the biting is contested, with both parties providing different accounts.
Police Intervention and Conflicting Accounts
Following the aggressive encounter, the police were called to the scene. According to the officers' report, Ms. Avia adopted a 'condescending tone' and made a point of announcing her 'parliamentary status,' although she did not claim any form of immunity. The weekly publication that broke the story reported that Ms. Avia admitted to biting the driver in front of the police. After approximately 45 minutes of negotiation, the MP eventually agreed to pay the fare.
Both Ms. Avia and the taxi driver were then taken to the Vincennes police station. At the station, Ms. Avia reportedly filed a complaint for unlawful detention and attempted theft, while the driver filed a complaint for assault and battery.
The MP's Defence
In a statement released on her Facebook page, Laetitia Avia addressed the incident, expressing her regret that it was being 'caricatured today as a trivial event with a humorous air.' She reiterated that she had filed a complaint for attempted theft and unlawful detention on the same evening.
Ms. Avia provided her version of events, describing herself as 'a young woman alone in a taxi at midnight, whose driver took the bank card in his hands and kept it out of her reach.' She continued, 'The story of a woman who finds herself locked in a taxi that starts without her consent and without explanation, who refuses to stop despite her requests.' She concluded by stating, 'And above all, the story of a woman who gets scared, panics, and defends herself.' Ms. Avia also asserted that she was not aware of any complaint filed against her by the driver at that time.
Political Context and Public Reaction
This affair, which became public knowledge on a Wednesday, occurred shortly after a lengthy tribute to Laetitia Avia by Prime Minister Édouard Philippe during his general policy statement the previous Tuesday. Mr. Philippe highlighted Ms. Avia's journey, noting that she gained admission to Sciences Po through educational equity agreements. He described her as 'a woman who, at the end of the summer of 2003, pushed open the heavy doors of a prestigious Parisian school. A young woman for whom nothing predestined her to enter this place.' He further elaborated on her background, mentioning her Togolese parents, who worked as a 'bus driver-baggage handler and a healthcare assistant,' and how they 'did not expect her to access this great Parisian school, then become a lawyer, then work in the most prestigious firms, then found her own firm.' Mr. Philippe's remarks positioned Ms. Avia, an early supporter of President Macron, as an inspirational figure.
Ms. Avia herself acknowledged the Prime Minister's words, tweeting, "Touched by the words of @EPhilippePM and by the highlighting of my journey in the introduction of his general policy statement. #DPG". This tweet, accompanied by a picture, was posted on July 4, 2017.
Comparison of Taxi Payment Methods
This incident highlights a common issue for taxi passengers: the reliability of payment methods. While most London taxis now readily accept card payments, there can still be instances where cash is preferred or card machines are temporarily out of order. Here's a brief comparison:
| Payment Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Card Payment | Convenient, widely accepted, no need for cash. | Machine may be out of order, potential for card fraud, some drivers may prefer cash. |
| Cash Payment | Guaranteed acceptance (if driver has change), no transaction fees for driver. | Requires carrying cash, need to ensure correct change, less secure than card. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if a taxi's card machine is not working?
If the card machine is not working and you do not have enough cash, you can ask the driver to take you to the nearest ATM. If the driver refuses or becomes aggressive, you can try to negotiate a reasonable solution, such as stopping at a cashpoint. If the situation escalates, it is advisable to remain calm and call the police if you feel unsafe or are being unlawfully detained.
Can a taxi driver refuse to accept card payments?
In the UK, while many taxi drivers accept card payments, they are generally not legally obligated to do so unless they have advertised themselves as accepting cards. However, if a driver advertises card facilities and the machine is broken, they should offer an alternative solution, such as taking you to an ATM.
What are my rights as a passenger if I cannot pay the fare?
If you are unable to pay the fare due to a fault with the taxi's payment system and have exhausted all reasonable alternatives, you should not be unlawfully detained. If a driver attempts to detain you against your will, this could be considered unlawful imprisonment or kidnapping. It is important to try and resolve the situation amicably, but if it becomes confrontational, prioritising your safety and contacting authorities is key.
What happened to Laetitia Avia?
Laetitia Avia reportedly bit a taxi driver's shoulder after a dispute over payment. She subsequently filed a complaint for attempted theft and unlawful detention, while the driver filed a complaint for assault and battery. The incident has generated significant public discussion regarding the conduct of public figures and the resolution of disputes.
If you want to read more articles similar to MP Bitten Taxi Driver Over Card Machine Fault, you can visit the Taxis category.