Barrow Man Loses Bid to Lift Driving Ban

I bet a lot of people didn't realise you needed a driving licence for a barrow...

Anyhow, back on track - a South Cumbrian man has failed in his bid to have his driving disqualification ended early.

Thaiga Parrish, 23, of Keith Street, Barrow-in-Furness, was convicted on 15th September 2023 of failing to provide a specimen for analysis and driving without insurance. He was disqualified for a period of three years, which I suggest is indicative of that not being his first rodeo.

Section 42 of the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988 gives the court the discretion to reduce a person's driving disqualification in certain circumstances. In deciding whether to exercise its discretion, the court should take account of:

• the character of the disqualified driver and their conduct subsequent to the disqualification;
• the nature of the offence;
• any other circumstances of the offence.

It is not a widely known or commonly used power, which is demonstrated by the fact that I have only ever dealt with two of these applications.

It should be stressed that when the court imposes a three year disqualification, it expects the driver to serve a three year disqualification - unless it affords the driver the opportunity of completing a drink drive rehabilitation course (which may have been relevant the first time Parrish was convicted, but not on this subsequent occasion).

Addressing the court, Parrish said: "I've also started my own painting and decorating business in the last eight months. It's a pain in the backside having to pay for taxis everywhere. Forty per cent of my profits are going on taxis every day.

"What I did was stupid. I shouldn't have been driving without any insurance. I was immature at the time but I've now grown up. I am skimping and saving.

"It would be easier for me to have my licence back. I'm self employed and struggling to operate the business."

Magistrates refused the application.

Chris Martin JP, Presiding Justice, said: "We take into account you are remorseful. Setting up your own enterprise is also commendable. However, we find there are no reasons why the three-year ban should be reduced.

"We therefore upheld the ban and dismiss your application."

As I said, this is entirely at the court's discretion having taken into consideration the factors mentioned earlier.

For all there have been significant changes in Parrish's personal circumstances, the Bench obviously didn't consider that they tipped the balance.

It seems a bit of a strange business decision becoming a painter and decorator at a time when you can't legally drive.