NEWPORT cabbies are angry at a delay in issuing their licences - meaning some are working with expired badges.

Hundreds of Hackney Carriage and Private Hire taxi drivers in the city are affected by the situation, with some waiting up to eight months for their licences.

Many are concerned their insurance may be invalidated. The city council blames the backlog on an increased workload, the result of the Licensing Act 2003 being brought in last year but says all cabbies will be covered.

Hackney carriage driver Roger Nolan, 59, of Llanyravon, Cwmbran, has driven taxis in the city for 28 years.

He has been waiting for his renewed licence since the end of January. "They normally wouldn't allow you to work without it. If I'm asked to prove I'm a cab driver by a police officer or other official I can't," said Mr Nolan. "And what if I have an accident? It could invalidate the insurance because I can't provide up-to-date documents proving I'm licensed.

"We pay the council more than £250 a year in total and it should get its act together."

Dave Smith, 58, of Caerleon, has driven taxis for 19 years. His licence expired in August last year and he still hasn't received another one. He said: "They said they have had a backlog and they will let me know when it's ready.

"You are required to carry the licence with you at all times and show it to prove you are a taxi driver.

"I can only show an out-of-date one."

A council spokeswoman said: "There have been some delays in issuing renewal badges due to the sheer workload within the Licensing Section resulting from the implementation of the Licensing Act 2003.

"There were delays of up to several months. However these were for renewals only, where drivers could continue to drive as they had applied prior to the expiry of their badge.

"Now all licences are up to date although some are still to be collected by drivers.

"If there are any queries the council will be able to confirm they are licensed."