THE brakes have been put on a bid to allow teenagers to drive taxis in Pendle.

Worried councillors refused a proposal to grant taxi driver's licences to people who have held a full licence for two years which would have allowed 19-year-olds behind the wheel.

They also voted down a suggestion by Labour councillor Colin Waite to grant a licence to drivers who have held a clean full licence for three years.

Instead, the council is sticking to its policy of only granting taxi driver's licences to people aged 21 or over who have held a full licence for at least a year.

Councillor David Clegg told the council's licensing sub-committee last night: "I don't like the idea of lowering the age limit. Younger drivers do tend to drive faster."

He was backed by fellow Liberal Margaret Bell who added: "I'm not saying every 19-year-old drives like an idiot but I've grave concerns about this. I don't think we should change anything. I think we should stick to 21 in the interest of safety."

Labour's Colin Waite pointed out it would cost an extra £750 a year to insure a 19-year-old driver, putting an added burden on taxi operators.

The committee was recommended to agree lowering the age limit. A report from council solicitor Philip Mousdale pointed out that national legislation states taxi drivers must have held a full driving licence for at least a year, allowing 18-year-olds to operate a cab.

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