A TAXI firm set up specifically to serve Southampton's massive WestQuay shopping complex could have its vehicles taken off the road today after its advertising signs broke licensing regulations - by just half an inch.

Only two weeks after West Quay Cars was set up, owner Dusty Miller has been told to assemble all the 25 vehicles in his private hire fleet before city council officials by 2pm this afternoon.

But the Hedge End-based cab operator claims with only 24 hours notice to mobilise his workforce of drivers - many of whom work nightshifts - he cannot meet the deadline.

Mr Miller, who runs a number of other firms that are licensed in Eastleigh, said: "I'll never get it done. There is no possible way we can get all our cars down there.

"We have drivers working at night. What are they supposed to do?

"If they withdraw our licences we are off the road. We will have to shut down."

The council made its demand for the firm, which also serves the National Express bus station, to present itself for inspection after the taxis' advertising broke strict guidelines.

Stickers used on the cars' rear windows advertising the firm and its telephone number exceeded size restrictions by just half an inch.

Once aware of the mistake, Mr Miller contacted the sticker printers who quickly produced a new set for the taxis.

But despite the new signs, all Mr Miller's taxis must be presented by 2pm for inspection or fall foul of the licensing team.

Mr Miller has criticised the council for coming down hard on the firm over such a small point.

He said: "We have been doing a huge amount of business there and we are very busy but we are really at the point of shutting down. The council has made it impossible to keep a company on the road."

A council spokesman insisted the cab operator always had the opportunity to approach the council and ask for some leeway to be given but no contact had been made.