Taxi drivers lose out in car battle

Taxi drivers in Kidderminster have lost a fight to keep their vehicles on the road for longer than seven years, after earlier being given a glimmer of hope.

They were encouraged over the renewal deadline when one driver was granted a five-month extension.

But council chiefs today said there were no plans to alter the policy which bans vehicles from being licensed beyond the existing seven-year limit.

They say the rule is aimed at protecting the safety of passengers.

Trevor Owen, a member of Wyre Forest Taxi Association, took his appeal against the restriction to town magistrates and was granted a five-month extension for one of his vehicles.

Many taxi owners have claimed the seven-year limit creates an extra financial burden because they are forced to buy new vehicles even though their existing ones are still roadworthy.

But Brian Kent, principal licensing officer for Wyre Forest District Council, said: "The council is not, however, going to change its policy which was agreed in 1997 because of concerns about public safety.

"The restriction applies to all vehicles and does not allow for licences to be extended longer than seven years after being granted."