COUNCILLORS have agreed to grant a licence to a Darlington taxi driver - even though his cab technically violates operating rules.
John Stoddart thought he was in line for a £20,000 headache when he discovered his brand new Ford Galaxy was ineligible for a permit because it came without a spare wheel.
The new models come with an emergency puncture repair kit as standard, instead of the extra tyre.
But Darlington Borough Council agreed to give the cabbie special dispensation at a meeting yesterday.
Mr Stoddart said: "The council has issued me a licence with no problems at all. I'm delighted."
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