Taxi Driver Online

A NEW permit system for taxis could stop a repeat of an incident where a driver was ticketed while helping a blind man. The Evening Times revealed earlier this month how James Devine was booked by a traffic warden while escorting the disabled passenger into Glasgow Dental Hospital on Sauchiehall Street.

He appealed against the parking ticket and gave evidence of the circumstances but the city council rejected his plea. Since our article, the council has cancelled the ticket, blaming an "oversight" for the initial decision.

Now Glasgow Taxis is in discussion with council officials over a system to protect other cabbies in similar circumstances. Its bosses suggest the rules be relaxed for cab drivers in restricted zones in some circumstances.

Company spokesman Kevin Dean said: "What is being discussed is a permit which would be displayed when drivers are helping disabled customers. We hope to get it sorted soon."

A Glasgow City Council spokeswoman said Mr Devine's ticket was rescinded because his story checked out. She added: "This is in keeping with policy that we emphasise about customer care.

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