An Aviemore taxi driver has been disqualified from driving after being caught behind the wheel while under the influence of cannabis the day after attending a party.

Phillipe Brooks, 58, admitted to driving with 7.7 micrograms of cannabis per litre of blood in his system, exceeding the legal limit of 2mg.

The incident occurred on 22 August last year when Brooks drove his taxi to a Tesco supermarket in Aviemore. He had consumed cannabis the previous day at a party.

Brooks, who pleaded guilty at Inverness Sheriff Court, now faces sentencing pending background reports.

His defence solicitor, Marc Dickson, highlighted the significant impact of the offence, stating: "He has lost his sole income because of this incident and his employment for the last 12-and-a-half-years.

"He’s lost his sole focus in life and a business he built up for a decade.”

Sheriff David Harvie imposed an immediate driving disqualification on Brooks.

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Private hire drivers in Knowsley, Merseyside, are reportedly facing significant delays in licence renewals, leaving some without income.

One driver, Tony, who has worked in the area for nearly 40 years, claims he faces a near 10-week wait after his licence expired in April.

Tony attributes the issue to a 2015 law change allowing private hire drivers to obtain licences from any local authority, regardless of their residence, leading to a surge in demand. He stated: "To me it's unfair to drivers who are operating legitimately in the area that they're licensed to operate in."

Knowsley Council acknowledged the high demand for mandatory MOT tests, advising drivers to book "in good time." Tony countered this, stating he attempted to book a test the week before his April expiry but was given a renewal date of June 23rd.

Tony added that he is now seeking alternative employment while awaiting his test.

Drivers are also required to undergo routine medical and background checks, further contributing to potential delays.

A Knowsley Council representative said: "There is high demand for tests, which make it more difficult for drivers to get availability at short notice. But our figures indicate that there is enough capacity in the system, provided drivers book in good time and vehicles are well prepared ahead of their test."

The council also noted that drivers receive a 90-day reminder before their vehicle's licence expires.

Despite the council's assertion of sufficient capacity with timely booking, the situation has left drivers like Tony unable to work.

He explained: "I know there are people where taxi driving isn't their full-time job but mine is a full-time job."

The council has advised any driver unable to work due to test delays to contact them directly.

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Wiltshire Police is investigating an alleged assault on a taxi driver in Swindon following a fare dispute.

The incident reportedly occurred around 1 pm on Sunday, 27 April, in Sandgate, near the Greenbridge Roundabout.

According to police reports, a passenger in the taxi allegedly refused to pay their fare. Subsequently, "a man then allegedly punched the driver of the taxi in the face."

Authorities have launched an investigation and are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

A police spokesperson stated: "We are investigating a reported assault that occurred in Sandgate, Swindon, at 1pm on Sunday (April 27).

"A taxi driver was punched by a man after a passenger failed to pay a fare. Our enquiries are ongoing and anyone who witnessed the altercation is asked to contact 101 quoting crime reference number 54250050668."

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A joint operation by Police Scotland and The Highland Council's trading standards team in Inverness city centre on Friday, 25 April, saw roadside checks conducted on 30 taxi and private hire vehicles.

While the majority of drivers were found to be operating within licensing regulations, two taxis now face enforcement action following the swoop.

The checks identified "several licensing infringements" and led to "numerous" warnings, primarily concerning "construction and use requirements" related to passenger safety and comfort, including seatbelts, flooring and vehicle age.

Despite these issues, Mark McGinty, trading standards’ team leader, expressed satisfaction with the overall level of compliance. He stated: "From a trading standards perspective, we are pleased at the high level of compliance with only two vehicle checks resulting in enforcement action."

McGinty further emphasised the importance of the taxi service, noting: "This trade provides an important service to the local community and visitors alike, and it is paramount that legality and safety are ensured. We will continue to work with the trade and our partners to that end."

While enforcement action will be taken against the two non-compliant vehicles, the operation highlighted that the "majority of drivers were operating within the terms of their taxi licence, with roadworthy vehicles and correct documentation."

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Perth and Kinross Council has launched a public consultation to gauge opinions on the current cap of 80 taxi licences in the city, citing a significant increase in unmet demand.

The move follows an "Unmet Demand Survey" which highlighted longer passenger wait times compared to pre-pandemic levels and continued difficulties for disabled users, particularly wheelchair users.

The survey's findings indicate a "significant demand for the services of taxis in Perth that is not met," recommending an increase of 24 licences to address the issue.

This has prompted the council to consider two potential options: increasing the limit by 24 or removing the cap entirely, allowing for an "unlimited" number of licences.

At a Licensing Committee Meeting on March 25, 2025, councillors agreed to seek the views of both the public and the taxi trade before making a decision.

The council emphasised the importance of this feedback, stating: "We are making sure everyone's voice is heard before a decision can be made about which option the council should adopt."

The consultation also seeks input on the types of vehicles that should be prioritised for any new licences issued, such as wheelchair accessible vehicles or electric vehicles.

The council acknowledges that any change to the current licensing limit "will have an impact on people who currently have a taxi," underscoring the need for broad engagement.

The feedback gathered will be crucial in shaping a report to the Licensing Committee, which will ultimately decide on the number of additional taxi licences and any potential vehicle restrictions.

Members of the public and the taxi trade are encouraged to participate in the short consultation via the link provided: https://shorturl.at/VOEXP.

Their input will play a vital role in determining the future of taxi services in Perth.

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