Taxi Driver Online

Tuk-tuk taxis are unsafe, says town

HEALTH and safety rules have dashed the hopes of an Afghanistan-based security guard home-coming to Weston and setting up his own business. Private military contractor Peter Deane hoped to escape his high-risk job protecting a power station in Kabul to begin a tuk-tuk taxi firm in Weston this year.

But the 30-year-old's plan was branded unsafe by licensing officials, leaving him with no option but to return to the war-torn country next month.

The ex-serviceman, who is at home in Worle recovering from an appendix operation, said: "I'm disappointed not to be able to go ahead with the idea.

"They are totally safe and with the new pier and revamp of the seafront would have been a welcome addition. "I thought it was a great chance for me to relocate back home and be in the place I love. "With the Afghanistan elections its starting to hot up more out there again and I'm not looking forward to it after hearing more British soldiers have died."

The tuk-tuk taxis are seen elsewhere in the country and can be hired from firms in Newport, London and Nottingham. Mr Deane added: "It seems unfair that in other towns and cities the tuk-tuks are legal, and not in Weston. "They are perfectly safe and reliable - I think the town is missing out."

But North Somerset Council licensing guidelines for Hackney carriages cabs states vehicles must have at least four doors. Other guidelines include being able to carry at least four passengers and vehicles be no older than eight years.

Mr Deane was in the Royal Green Jackets before joining a British security firm working in Iraq and now Afghanistan. In November 2004, he was travelling at the head of a convoy which was hit by a suicide bomber, shattering his ankle and putting him in hospital for weeks.

A spokesman said: "Tuk-tuks do not meet the hackney license conditions introduced last year.

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IDFIMH

FFS.

I wonder how many thousands a week he is earning out there in his private security capacity?

Why dont he get a Taxi or a PH and licence it like the rest of us have to....maybe after a few weekends transporting [edited by admin] up revellers at 4am he might discover that guarding a power station near kabul isnt that stressful after all..at least in kabul he gets a gun.