Taxi Driver Online

Council backs down over "taxi's" length
http://www.lep.co.uk/news/Council-backs ... 5816053.jp


John Faloon feared being out of work after council chiefs initially refused to renew his taxi licence. They agreed the rules were ‘unreasonable’


A Lancashire taxi driver was told he would not be granted a new licence – because his vehicle was a few inches too long.

Preston Council told John Faloon, from Ashton, his Ford Transit minibus did not meet the correct specification as it exceeded the maximum dimensions of two metres in width and height and five metres in length.

The father-of-four, who has been a taxi driver for nearly 14 years, contacted the Lancashire Evening Post fearing for his livelihood.

Council licensing chiefs have now reviewed the rules and deemed them to be "unreasonable".

Mike Thorpe, head of licensing, said: "We have got this wrong and apologise to Mr Faloon.

"It is totally unreasonable to say how long his private hire vehicle should be and we have contacted him to let him know we will be issuing him a licence for his vehicle forthwith.

"We will amend the licensing policy as soon as we can to remove this clause and reflect that common sense needs to be followed."

Mr Faloon, 47, who spent 10 years as a Hackney carriage driver, said: "They were saying it was a couple of inches too long and I was going to be unemployed for the first time in my life.

"I was driving a Vauxhall Zafira and I went for a minibus that cost me £2,500 and was ex-council.

"It was made from new for Nottingham City Council.

"I just want to say thanks to the Lancashire Evening Post for helping.

"I know there have been a few minibus drivers that have been worried about it.

"I'm just happy that they have amended the policy about the dimensions."

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

Why do they need drivers to point out their stupid rules? Can't they read them themselves?

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IDFIMH