We all know about our two-tier licensing system, but has a third tier been developed for fire engines?

The licensed taxi trade has always (rightly or wrongly) had two tiers of licensed vehicle. Starting in the 19th Century we were introduced to the first tier of licensed vehicle, 'Taxi Hire'. In the 20th Century we welcomed the second tier of licensed vehicle, 'Private Hire'. However now in the 21st Century, down in deepest Sussex, we have been introduced to the latest tier of licensed vehicle, 'Fire Hire'.

Unlicensed
Check out www.classecars.co.uk and you will see that up to eight people can enjoy a night out, courtesy of an unlicensed fire engine, being driven by an unlicensed, non-CRB checked driver. Many of us, I suspect, are licensed in districts that insist on an up-to-date fire extinguisher being in the vehicle, but having the vehicle inside the fire extinguisher, would no doubt confuse many a licensing officer.

Sign of the times
Regrettably though, customers are blissfully unaware of licensing laws and if a quick buck is to be made by people bypassing all the conditions of license that we have to adhere too, then a quick buck will be made. But you would have thought that at least licensing officers should be aware of their own laws and bylaws, so why do they choose to stick there heads in the sand? Who knows, but Taxi Driver Online eagerly awaits a response to our e-mails from Lewes District Council.