A WORCESTER taxi driver has thrown down the gauntlet and challenged a city councillor to take the wheel himself.

And Councillor Gary Kibblewhite says he is prepared to try manning a cab in the city to see what drivers have to face.

Licensed driver Yvonne Carter made the suggestion after being incensed by Coun Kibblewhite's comments in an Evening News article.

Coun Kibblewhite had written to the Evening News to highlight the friendly service he had received from a taxi driver in Southampton, and asked how often one could expect similar good service from Worcester drivers.

In an angry letter, the Brickfields cabbie said anyone subjected to the abuse taxi drivers tolerate "might be less inclined to jump out, open the door, give a big smile and wish them a good day".

"He spends all day sat in a warm office with coffee on tap. He's not at the sharp end," Mrs Carter added.

"He should try doing a shift at 2.30am after a Saturday night, or get a temporary licence for himself.

"If he's prepared to get out there and give it a go he can speak from a well-informed viewpoint.

"I've never been in a council chamber so I wouldn't dream of slagging off our councillors."

Coun Kibblewhite said he was more than happy to spend a couple of hours sharing a cab because there was no such thing as a temporary licence.

As Mrs Carter is unable to take him, Coun Kibblewhite has appealed to any cabbie in the city who will take him out on a shift picking up fares to come forward.

"From my point of view it would be a fantastic experience," he said.

"It would be helpful to see what taxi drivers go through because I'm a member of the licensing sub-committee anyway."