Taxi drivers leader accuses Fenland Council of running kangaroo court over suspension threats

WISBECH taxi drivers' leader Dave Patrick has accused Fenland District Council of running a kangaroo court - after discovering that two taxi drivers have been issued with a notice of suspension.

The drivers -- who both have six points endorsed on their driving licences - will be taken off the road for three months if an appeal to magistrates fails.

One other driver has been given a reprimand for having three points on a driving licence.

A total of seven taxi and private hire drivers went before the council's Licensing Committee on Wednesday to discover if their licences could be renewed.

"This was a kangaroo court, most authorities would not have suspended a taxi driver's licence for having six live points," said Mr Patrick, chairman of Wisbech and District Hackney Carriage Drivers' Association.

"Before the suspension of a licence, surely they should have received a reprimand or a written warning?

"We know of many licence holders in Fenland who have six points on their driving licence, and had their taxi licence renewed without having to attend a committee hearing.

"There is an inconsistency in the way the council is dealing with different individuals; everyone should be treated in the same way.

"Our National Association is appalled over the way these people have been dealt with. These people are distraught, and I feel it is against their human rights.

"The council says their human rights have been taken into consideration, but I don't think they have.

"How can it be that some drivers are allowed by a magistrates' court to drive with 12 points on their licence, but for these taxi drivers with six points, the council has taken away their right to earn a living?"

Mr Patrick has already declared he has three points on his licence and is awaiting to be called before a council licensing committee to hear his own fate.

The council declined to comment because the meeting was a confidential matter.