CONCERN has been raised about plans to allow teenagers to drive a taxis two years after passing their driving test.

Councillors have been asked to vary Pendle Council's current regulations to allow people who have held a full licence for two years, in effect a minimum age of 19, to get behind the wheel of a cab.

At the moment taxi driver's licence applicants have to be 21 or over and have held a full licence for at least 12 months.

The council's licensing sub-committee is recommended to agree the move to introduce the additional option next week.

But it has already caused worries about allowing young drivers behind the wheel of taxis.

Councillor Doris Haigh, who sits on the sub-committee, said: "My immediate reaction is one of concern. I have to say for a 19-year-old to be able to drive members of the public, I don't think they have enough experience of life really and driving life in particular.

"When you're 21 you have a bit more of a mature attitude to a whole range of things, not just driving."

Council secretary, Philip Mousdale, said: "The issue comes down to a balance between general maturity and sufficient driving experience.

"Officers would support the proposal as remaining an unnecessary barrier on young people moving into employment."

Taxi drivers in Burnley must be 21 years old and have held a full driving licence for at least 12 months.

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