Posted on the 18th August 2025 in PHTM News

CABBIE IN RANGERS SHIRT DENIED TAXI LICENCE RENEWAL AFTER ZIG ZAG STOP

A taxi driver who wore a Rangers football strip and stopped on zig-zag lines has been refused a licence renewal after he failed to appear at a North Ayrshire Licensing Committee meeting to explain his actions.

Gareth Wilkinson had applied for renewal of his taxi driver's licence and a private hire vehicle licence, but his application was rejected unanimously by the committee.

Police Scotland told the committee that on September 2, 2024, officers found Mr. Wilkinson's taxi stopped on zig-zag lines while he was "sounding his horn" in Dalry.

When approached, it was discovered he did not have insurance for the vehicle, which was then removed. At the time of the incident, Mr. Wilkinson was "dressed in a Rangers strip" and not wearing his taxi driver's identification.

Councilor Cameron Inglis stated that the driver’s behaviour was "well out of the law and also our own policy," adding that the wearing of a football top was what "annoyed me most."

He said, "I think as soon as you put that on you are looking to antagonise people especially if you are working in a public role."

Chair Eleanor Collier also highlighted the seriousness of the offences, noting that "driving a taxi without insurance is a serious offence."

She added that wearing a football top was "way out of the dress code" and not having a valid ID was "contrary to our policy."

The committee noted that Mr. Wilkinson had been given two opportunities to attend and explain his actions but chose not to.

A motion to refuse both licences was passed unanimously.


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