TWO pensioners had their driving licence applications returned – because they followed the instructions too closely.

Having read the licence application form’s requirement for two passport photographs, neighbours Fabia Gray and Noel Holley both travelled to the Harbour to the passport photo booth.They had their pictures taken in black and white and thought no more about it.

Ms Gray sent some of the photos to the Immigration Department for the renewal of her passport and others to the Town Hall for her partner’s disabled parking permit.Both applications were processed and the documents returned without any problem with the black and white pictures inside.However, Ms Gray then took her application form for a driving licence, which requests two ‘passport photos’, to St Peter’s Parish Hall.

She handed the form in and went home, but was later telephoned by a parish official, who explained that the black and white photographs were unacceptable and colour ones were needed.’It is extremely irritating and frustrating,’ said Ms Gray.

‘It is not just the money, it is the business of having to go back to the Harbour and do the whole thing all over again.

It doesn’t specify on the form that the photographs have to be in colour.’She added that the parish officials had been very nice, adding that it was the form which had caused the problem.Mr Holley, who received the same phone call from the parish hall, said: ‘I don’t see the logic of it, to be honest.

I have to act according to the law and I am a law-abiding citizen so I will get new photographs.

I think the whole thing is ridiculous.’A spokesman for Driver and Vehicle Standards said that all new application forms did specify that colour photographs were required, but admitted that some old forms were still in circulation.

He added that a notice had been posted in the Jersey Gazette informing Islanders of a change in the law late last year, which stated that colour photographs were now required.