
A Paisley mother has successfully campaigned to have a private hire driver's licence revoked after he turned up to collect her and her daughter with an unannounced male passenger in the front seat.
Laura Hegart, 50, and her 26-year-old daughter had ordered a Renfrewshire Cab outside Whisky Joe's Bar at around 9pm on January 27 when they noticed two men inside the vehicle.
Mrs Hegart immediately challenged the driver and the unknown passenger, who claimed he was acting as a "trainer".
Refusing to back down, she stood her ground until her daughter managed to photograph the licence plate, while the two men began shouting and attempted to close the door.
Speaking about the terrifying ordeal, Mrs Hegart said: “I approached the car and opened the rear door and explained that there is never two males in any Renfrewshire cab. I was then told by the passenger 'I am a trainer' to which I said absolutely not.
"I then informed them I would be calling the office."
She added that the frightening encounter left lasting psychological impacts on her family, noting: "It was traumatising. She thought we were going to get attacked. There needs to be more checks on the people being issued these licences.
"My daughter hasn't got a taxi since the incident unless me or her father is with her."
Following the initial complaint, Renfrewshire Cabs confirmed the newly registered driver was signed off immediately, stating that passenger safety is their absolute priority.
After pursuing the matter through local channels, Mrs Hegart welcomed the decision by Renfrewshire Council to strip the driver of his licence following an eight-month process.
Reflecting on the outcome, she expressed relief that the driver can no longer operate, while emphasising ongoing concerns regarding the safety of women using local hire services.

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