FIVE cabbies have been refused taxi driver licences because they have not passed a controversial test.
Darlington Borough Council demands all of its taxi drivers pass the Driving Standards Agency test for taxi drivers to qualify for a licence to operate a vehicle in the town.
Cabbies in Darlington were furious when the test was introduced and, with the help of union Amicus, took the battle against the test to the High Court in London.
However, in December last year, the High Court ruled the council was entitled to impose the test on cabbies.
Yesterday, Robert Thompson, of Fryer Crescent, Victor Nolan, of Brunton Street, Jeffrey Mason, of Roker Close, Red Hall, Michael Neary, of Severn Way, and Kevin Raby, of Neasham Road, all in Darlington, were all refused new licences by the council's licensing committee, because they had not passed the test. They were given 21 days to rectify the situation.
A council spokeswoman said: "The test was brought in to improve public safety."
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