A TAXI driver has had their licence revoked after they were abusive towards a parking enforcement officer outside a school in St Austell.

The incident reportedly took place at a crossing at a primary school in Cornwall.

The driver was issued a parking charge notice for parking on zig-zag lines. He then proceeded to track down the officer to argue about the ticket. The driver swore and was abusive to the officer in front of young children. The incident was captured on the officer’s body worn camera.

Following an investigation by the council’s licensing compliance team, a case was brought to the licensing committee. After hearing the evidence, the committee revoked the driver’s licence.

The committee decided that the driver’s behaviour was not that of a professional driver licensed by the council, and was not the behaviour of a fit and proper person to hold such a licence.

Councillor Carol Mould, portfolio holder for neighbourhoods at Cornwall Council, said: “We will not tolerate any kind of abuse towards our staff, or members of the public.

“This individual’s behaviour was totally unacceptable. We expect taxi drivers to abide by the Statutory Taxi and Private Hire Vehicle Standards and those who fail to do so risk losing their licence.”

Parking enforcement officers work across the Cornwall to ensure drivers follow parking regulations on public streets and car parks.

Councillor Martyn Alvey, portfolio holder with responsibility for enforcement at Cornwall Council, said: “Our officers play a really important role in keeping communities safe.

“Unfortunately, there are often incidents around schools where drivers get impatient and sometimes aggressive.

“This driver’s behaviour was totally unacceptable. We ask that all drivers are patient and considerate, particularly around schools, and make sure they abide by the traffic regulations that are in place.”