Handing in my license

 Tomorrow will be a red letter day.

I will be handing in my PSV (Taxi driving license) it is the end of an era.

I have not driven my taxi for 3 years now since my son took over the job. 

So much red tape goes on and there is so much crap that you have to put up with.

Years ago when the "Regulators" arrived you would be at the rank at Heuston train station and they would pull up at the top of the queue. Then they would get out and put on reflective jackets, pick up their clip boards and torches. While they were at that 10 or 12 illegal drivers would drive away unchallenged. What a waste of time.

One guy who had been working hard over Christmas was called into the carriage office for overcharging. It was mid week and the customer makes this journey frequently.

Can you explain ? It was not at night rate or Sunday rate. You were overcharging him.

Then the taxi drivers face lit up 25th December!!!! Christmas day rate.

The officials could not have been more polite and apologetic and they even offered him a cup of tea.

I know I told you this before but. The son of a taxi driver hailed down a taxi in Howth going to Tallagh, he noticed that  the drivers ID did not match the driver. He said nothing as he just wanted to go home. 

He told the driver to show down 3 or 4 times. Coming into Marino there was a Garda checkpoint with flashing lights and the driver made a sudden turn on to the Malahide rd.

He was spotted and the Garda gave chase. A couple of miles later they were caught and the driver arrested, no driving license no insurance  and no PSV licence.

The passenger went to court on the day and he was asked to comment. 

He spoke "Me Lord I want to outline a few points.

I am an accident claims investigator, I go to crash sites and look at the aftermath of awful incidents. His brother gave him the taxi knowing that he was not insured to drive it, he did not even have a basic license.

The driver was here waiting for political asylum, I propose that the driver be deported and that the taxi be crushed and the license be revoked. This is a very serious breach of law.

The judge reserved judgment until a later date.