A WOMBWELL taxi driver has been left in a 'desperate situation' after he lost his livelihood when Barnsley Council revoked his taxi license for driving uninsured.
Brian Allen, 60, from Littlefield Lane, admitted to driving a vehicle without insurance - but feels he has been dealt a harsh punishment.
"They had three choices - to suspend me, to make me take my test again, or to revoke my licence. They chose the last one and that was my job gone. I was put straight onto the dole."
Brian was brought before Barnsley Council after acquiring a total of nine points on his licence: three from a previous speeding offence and six from being uninsured.
He said: "I made a mistake, but they had a choice to be able to keep me in work. They put it down to me being 'not a fit and proper' person to drive. It is a desperate situation. My wife is working more hours to keep us."
Councillor Roy Miller, cabinet spokesperson for 'place', said: "Although we cannot comment on the Magistrate's decision in individual cases, the council has a duty to ensure the safety of road users and its residents.
"In licensing appeal cases unless a revocation is made with immediate effect, which was not in the case of Mr Allen, and a driver subsequently appeals, the decision does not take effect until the appeal has been determined by the magistrate's court. During this appeal period Mr Allen was able to continue to work."
