MOTORITSTS who fly the red and white flag of St George in support of England during the European football championship finals could be fined.

If the flags are too big or badly positioned, drivers may have to pay up large fines and receive penalty points.

The warning has come from road safety groups who fear pedestrians and cyclists are at risk from some flags.

Meanwhile, it has emerged that taxi drivers in Thanet have been banned ffrom displaying the flags from their cars. Council officials say their licences don't permit it.

Licensing manager Philip Bensted spoke to KM-fm...

Taxi drivers could be fined for flying the flag of St George

Patriotic taxi drivers in Thanet are being banned from flying the England flag on their vehicles.

Thanet council has said displaying the flag of St George on cabs is against licensing laws and is threatening to fine offenders up to £1,000.

One taxi company, Smiley Cars in Broadstairs, is refusing to back down and says they are just showing support for the England football team.

But the authority said the licensing laws are clear and rules are rules.

Ray Holland, from Smiley Cars, said: "We thought it might have been a wind up but they have said they we are not allowed to display the flag.

"But we are going to display the flag - we have no intentions of taking the flags off.

"We are supporting the country and we are supporting the team and we cannot see anything wrong with it."

According to the taxi firm the row started when an official from the council contacted them and told them if they displayed the flags they would be breaching their license.

Philip Benstead, from Thanet Council, said: "If we receive complaints and we see offences being committed we have to deal with individuals."