THANET District Council has denied its officers have been “cold-calling” taxi companies threatening to fine them for flying Euro 2004 flags.

Some media reports claim that an official contacted a firm in Broadstairs telling them they were breaching their licensing laws.

A spokeswoman said: “Although the drivers are breaching licensing laws by displaying flags, we have no trace of our officers phoning companies up and threatening to fine them.

“The law has been in place for over 20 years. It’s not a new thing. It is a safety issue. Nothing to do with not letting drivers support the England team.”

The council says it would be willing to negotiate with drivers who wish to support the team, and might be willing to let them display some sort of insignia if they asked, but so far no-one has.

Thanet Council's Licensing Manager, Philip Bensted, said: "Thanet Council has a good working relationship with taxi and private hire vehicles in the area and has worked with them before to vary the conditions of their licence.

“If we receive an application from the licensed trade, asking us to allow taxis and private hire vehicles to display flags, the Council's Licensing Board will consider the request, but no such application has been received to date."

Meanwhile police and motoring organisations have warned that displaying flags on some vehicles could prove a risk to pedestrians and cyclists.

Ian Crowder, from the AA, said: “By no means are we trying to be party poopers, but we just ask drivers to use common sense.

“If your car is covered in flags and scarves, the chances are you won’t be able to see, and you may hit another motorist.

“In addition, the flags being sold that stick out of the car window could easily injure a passing pedestrian, cyclist or horse rider.

“It could easily break loose and obscure the driver behind who might in turn hit your car. By all means support the team, but think about how you do it.”

Drivers who are found to have their vision obscured by police could face fines and points on their licence.

Many patriotic taxi drivers in Thanet are less than impressed with the situation in their area as John Spencer, manager of Arrow Taxis in Margate, told KM-fm...