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A man has turned his mobility scooter into a taxi service for revellers on nights out, it is claimed.

Taxi drivers are furious at the apparent service, said to be operating from midnight in Torquay, Devon, and charging people for a ride between pubs or for a lift home.

One said 'you see it zooming and charging around with flashing lights on - it has to be seen to be believed.'

A taxi driver - who wished to remain anonymous - said he had seen “about five people hanging off the side” at times.

Another cabbie accused the scooter rider of flouting rules by not having a licence, insurance or a safe vehicle.

He said: "You see it zooming around the harbour area and Debenhams, charging around with flashing lights on - it has to be seen to be believed.

"I saw about five people hanging off the side of it once. It is only supposed to take one person.

"I think he has put a mattress on it and he goes around from pub to pub picking up people and dropping them off. He charges for it too.

"He's been doing it for a couple of months now. You see people jumping on it and hanging off the side. It's incredible.

"It goes around 20mph and I bet he doesn't have a licence. It is totally illegal.

"I know it sounds sad me saying all of this but it is only a matter of time before someone falls off or gets hurt.

"We have to pay for licensing and things like that. Complaints have been made by other drivers but nobody has done anything about it.

"If they're not going to do anything then I might as well get one myself."

People outside London must apply to their local council for a licence to drive a taxi or private hire vehicle.

They must be able to work legally in the UK, and have held a full GB or Northern Ireland driving licence - or a full EU driving licence - for at least a year.

Applicants must also be a ‘fit and proper person’ - which means their background and character will be checked.

The council may carry out an enhanced criminal records check, while applicants may also need a medical examination, a ‘knowledge’ test and even another a driving test.