Taxi driver ordered to remove 'poppy signage' granted retrospective permissionhttps://www.sthelensstar.co.uk/news/172 ... ermission/
A TAXI driver who was ordered by St Helens Council to remove stickers paying tribute to war heroes has been granted retrospective permission.In a Facebook post that has been shared more than 1,000 times, Gerald Brady said he was “angered and disappointed” to receive a letter instructing him to remove “unauthorised poppy signage” with immediate effect.
Mr Brady, from Cable Taxis, was told that the repair work must be carried out by Monday and presented for inspection at the council’s licensing unit.
The licensing officer said failure to comply with the instruction will result in a notice being issued for the suspicion of the vehicle licence (below).
Mr Brady, 59, issued a formal complaint to the council, although this has since been withdrawn.
He told the Local Democracy Reporter Service the council’s policy is “unclear” and said he did not think he needed permission as the graphics would not be considered commercial advertising.
After working towards a resolution, the council has now granted Mr Brady retrospective permission and has allowed for the graphics to remain on the car until November 30.
Mr Brady said: “The council has listened and have accepted the policy needs a little more latitude, and I am grateful for it.
“I am happy this has come to a satisfactory conclusion.”
St Helens Council said it originally ordered the removal of the graphics because the driver did not seek permission to display them.
The authority added that it was “fully supportive” of the Armed Forces.
A council spokesman said: “This matter in no way relates to the content of the graphic itself, but because the private hire vehicle owner did not seek permission from the council, as the licensing authority, to display it.
“The council recognises that from time to time, events of national significance will take place and as such the council’s taxi licensing policy is written to allow for such occasions.
“There is a simple application process for drivers wishing to display signage on their vehicles which in this case, the licence holder failed to do.
“St Helens Council is fully supportive of the Armed Forces.
“This is evident from the work carried out from our Armed Forces Covenant – and through the 19, St Helens Council-sponsored silent soldier figures situated around the borough as part of a British Legion campaign to commemorate the 100th anniversary since the end of the First World War.”
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