People carrier cannot carry people

Council "regrets" ban on taxi use

A cab driver has been told his people carrier cannot carry people by a council which banned a shade of yellow on other cabs.

Small businessman Guv Sanghera spent £20,000 on his seven-seater carrier only to be told he will not be allowed to pick up fares.

Derby City Council has ruled he would be carrying too many passengers and his plan to set up an airport service cannot go ahead.

Now Mr Sanghera believes his new business is in ruins even though he says the council's licensing department never said he should not buy the vehicle.

'Cover up'

Derby Council's licensing department has previously been in the news after saying another cab driver, John Kirkham, could not spray his taxi a certain shade of yellow.

Mr Sanghera says he is £20,000 out of pocket

This time the council has said its team acted properly although it has said its regulations may need reviewing.

Mr Sanghera told BBC East Midlands Today: "In my initial conversation I had with them I said I was buying a Ford Galaxy so I could take six people and they did not mention it wasn't a viable choice.

"I went ahead and spent £20,000. It just feels like there has been a bit of a cover up.

"I am a bit disappointed that with the mistake initially made - they have not explained it correctly - I have gone and made the choice I have done then they haven't tried to help at all."

The council said in the statement: "This has highlighted an area of our taxi licensing regulations which needs looking at and may need reviewing.

"It is a matter of regret that there was a misunderstanding in this instance."