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Posted on the 19th May 2025 in PHTM News
AYRSHIRE DRIVER GIVEN LICENCE EXCEPTION AS LIFE-CHANGING EVENTS CAUSE FINANCIAL HARDSHIP
An Ayrshire taxi driver has been granted a temporary licence exception by North Ayrshire Licensing Committee, allowing her to use a standard car instead of a wheelchair-accessible vehicle that has become prohibitively expensive to repair.
Angela Murray explained to the committee that a series of "life-changing events" had placed her in a severe financial predicament. She requested permission to substitute her non-compliant Skoda Octavia for her Peugeot Horizon wheelchair-accessible taxi.
Detailing her situation, Ms. Murray stated: "I currently have a wheelchair access vehicle on a Peugeot Horizon - the vehicle has still got car finance but the engine mounting collapsed and it will be approximately £3,500 to get the car fixed and put it back on the road... I came to be in this position of being financially constrained due to life-changing events."
She outlined a myriad of difficulties, including her husband being unable to drive due to fainting spells after Covid, followed by DVLA delays in reinstating his licence. Subsequently, her youngest daughter fell seriously ill, requiring four months of hospital care and impacting Ms. Murray's ability to work due to stress and anxiety.
Just as they were recovering financially, the taxi required significant expenditure for its licence, test, a new exhaust system, and tyres, before the engine mount collapsed in January, leaving her husband without income.
Ms. Murray further explained the limited demand for wheelchair-accessible vehicles among their customer base, noting: "We find there is not a great need for wheelchairs as a lot of our customers are older and struggle to get out of the bigger vehicles anyway."
She also highlighted the negative financial implications of scrapping the financed vehicle.
Councillor Ronnie Stalker proposed granting the request, a motion seconded by Councillor Jean McClung and subsequently approved by the committee.
Committee Chair Eleanor Collier expressed their understanding, saying: “We understand you have been through a difficult time and we will grant this exception to our policy and a substitution of the licence and hope you can sort out your financial situation and get back on your feet.”
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