FOLLOWING the crackdown on Launceston motorists who use prohibited streets as short cuts or "rat runs," police have indicated they will use their discretion for taxi drivers carrying disabled or elderly passengers to or from the shops.

As reported previously, a number of £30 fixed penalty notices were handed out to

drivers in Launceston who flouted bans by

entering three of the town's narrow streets.

The fixed penalties followed an education day when police pointed out to drivers that vehicles could not use Westgate Street, Church Street, and High Street, Launceston, except for loading and unloading.

It was pointed out that picking up and dropping off passengers did not constitute loading and unloading.

But, Police Sgt Aaron Ward told Launceston Town Council recently that the taxi drivers had made the valid point and they had taken their views on board.

The police had gone to the highway authority (Cornwall Council) to see if there was something they could do to allow taxis up and down when carrying the disabled or elderly, he explained.

They had to enforce the order but they were also there to serve the local community.

As a local policing team, they had decided to use their discretion.

Those drivers using the streets as a "rat run" would be identified but they would use their

discretion with the taxi drivers.

"We will treat each case individually and we are looking to the

highway authority to amend the signs and make it legislation," added Sgt Ward.