A TAXI driver who was barred from operating has been told the council was justified in revoking his licence.

Cabbie Paul Toland this week lost his appeal against Taunton Deane Borough Council 's decision to stop him getting behind the wheel of his taxi following a road rage incident Taunton magistrates heard on Monday that Toland earlier this year drove "potentially dangerously" by mounting the grass verge and undertaking a lorry on the busy A358 near Taunton.

He then stopped his vehicle, argued with the lorry driver and pushed him.

Upholding the council's decision, the court up agreed he was not "a fit and proper person" to hold a taxi licence.

Toland was also ordered to pay the authority's costs of £320.

After the case, a Deane House spokesman said the authority is committed to upholding high standards in the licensed taxi trade and is making clear it will take action against drivers who fail to comply.

Cllr Patrick Berry, executive councillor for environmental services, said: “The message is clear - driving that puts other road users at risk will not be tolerated.

“We expect taxi drivers to uphold high standards as they have the responsibility for the safety and security of their passengers and I am pleased to say that the overwhelming majority take that responsibility seriously.”