
Monmouthshire's only Trustpilot excellent rated taxi driver has been prosecuted over a roof sign that the council's Principal Licencing Officer allegedly approved five times.
The owner of Shire Taxi told PHTM: "I just want to share my story to see what other members of our trade have to say …
“I decided to buy a fancy taxi roof sign to try and uplift the dying trade in the town.
"There are roughly 11 other taxis in town who use white roof signs that show white light to the rear of the vehicle – some of them have been using these since 2017.
"My new sign was scrolling – like the ones used by buses. I imported it from Sweden at a discounted cost of £680.
"I researched the laws and regulations and couldn’t find any reason why I couldn’t use it.
"I also contacted the police and made some changes before putting it on my taxi.
"However, despite licensing giving me written permission to use the sign five times, and renewing my vehicle licence with the roof sign on, they still didn’t like it.
"I believe, when they had no other way to stop me using it, they involved the police.
"Subsequently, one day a single police officer visited my home. He advised me it was illegal to use a vehicle on the road which automatically emitted a flashing light and said I should take the sign off my vehicle .
"I was prosecuted in Newport Magistrates' Court without any disclosures made from the Crown Prosecution Service following a roadside stop whilst my vehicle was licensed and in use.
"When questioned, the police officer claimed he examined the roof sign when he came to my house – and yet – he didn’t mention red light emitting from the front of the roof sign which should have been the case.
"I feel I have been targeted and should have been dealt by the Roads Policing Unit if the roof sign happens to be illegal as it’s claimed given that it was on public use for more than a year.
"The council has now even changed their licensing policy to (what I believe) specifically targets my roof sign.
"I am a good hard-working cabbie who fights for fair trade, public protection and stricter enforcement in relation to our local taxi trade.
"However, this dispute has been ongoing since January 2024.
"I feel I have been targeted for standing up for myself and this has caused me a lot of unnecessary stress and upset.”

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