A CABBIE working a city’s ‘Wild West’ who flouted taxi rules so persistently police seized his vehicle faces losing his licence.

Durham Police say the driver, who has not been named, ignored taxi ranks and plied for trade in other areas around Claypath, Durham City – including loading bays and pedestrian areas.

Several other cabbies complained, leading to police giving the driver, who is from Newcastle, a verbal warning.

But he failed to get the message and police eventually lost patience and seized his vehicle.

Other drivers applauded as it was towed off to a secure compound, from where the driver had to reclaim it the next morning, having paid a £100 storage fee.

But even that failed to deter him, as 36 hours later he was back in Durham and had to be given another warning about his conduct.

Now the police and Durham County Council are investigating what further action could be taken.

Adrian White, the council’s head of transport, said: “Following initial contact from Durham Constabulary, our licensing services section is currently liaising with police colleagues regarding allegations of misconduct by a licensed taxi driver.

“Investigations into the reported incident, and the driver’s ongoing suitability, are at an early stage and any actions taken as a result will be to ensure the continued protection of the public.”

The incident happened late on Friday night (June 12) but Claypath has been dogged by problems of late-night noise and disturbance from drinkers leaving the bars and clubs of Walkergate and the city centre for years.

For some time, taxis queued hundreds of yards up Claypath and Gilesgate waiting for trade.

Last year, the police said the area was “like the Wild West” and closed lower Claypath to all vehicles except buses and permit holders living or working in the area between 9pm and 4am on Fridays and Saturdays.

The trial, which began in December, could run for up to 18 months before the authorities decide whether to make it permanent.

Mr White said a “minority” of cabbies were causing “isolated problems” and the council was investigating whether further measures could be put in place to remedy these issues.