A LICENCED minicab driver says Camden s parking wardens are forcing him out of business. Omar Mohammed, 43, has received three parking tickets for dropping off customers outside St Pancras Station even though it is a taxi zone and he is a ful

Katie Davies

A LICENCED minicab driver says Camden's parking wardens are forcing him out of business.

Omar Mohammed, 43, has received three parking tickets for dropping off customers outside St Pancras Station even though it is a taxi zone and he is a fully licensed cab driver.

But Camden's parking regulations state only black cabs are allowed in the zone, which has left Mr Mohammed, who pays £100 a year for his licence, incensed.

He said: "I pick up disabled people, old people and people who are going on trains with lots of luggage.

"I drop them by the station because I want to help them get as close as possible.

"I saved up money for years so I could work as a minicab driver and support my family. The car cost me £5,000 and I pay £100 a year for it to be licensed and £300 every five years to license myself."

Mr Mohammed moved to Britain from Somalia 14 years ago and has worked as a minicab driver for the past two.

He is appealing against the tickets issued to him in November and December but has had to enlist the help of his regular customers to help with the letters.

He said: "I work hard so I can do a good job and be a good man because I have a family to support. I can't sleep at night because I feel like a criminal."

"We buy the cars and the insurance and my boss set up an office so we can work legally to support our families, but where's the incentive?"

Rob Inglis, artistic director of Jellicoe-Neville Performing Arts, of Goldington Street, King's Cross, has helped Mr Mohammed with his appeal.

He said: "He is the most reliable driver I have ever known and that's in 40 years of touring.

"I am very angry that he is being treated in this way.

"Omar is working hard to give something to society and he is being victimised by people trying to reach targets and get more money for the parking department."

A Camden Council spokesman said: "Only licensed hackney taxis, buses and vehicles used as part of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link works are permitted to enter this part of Pancras Road.

"As a licensed public hire vehicle (minicab), Mr Mohammed's vehicle does not fall within these exemptions and this is the reason why Camden has not cancelled the parking control notices."

katie.davies@hamhigh.co.uk