City a clean bill of health.

And he believes the examiner may have put his foot down unfairly.

Mr. Greene was amazed after being told this week his car's clutch pedal was too close to the radio.

For the vehicle, he said, had passed the inspection on four previous occasions.

He exclaimed yesterday: "I can't understand it. Why was the car alright before, and not now? "The only thing I can think of is the examiner's feet were big and he had difficulty putting his foot on the clutch.'' Mr. Greene, who is barely 5ft 4in, added: "I'm only small and I've never had any problems.'' The Warwick man bought his car four years ago, and immediately installed the radio.

It has repeatedly passed the eagle-eye of Transport Control Department inspectors -- until this week.

Mr. Greene said he later moved the clutch, and was given a certificate.

But not before he had protested to TCD bosses, including the director Mr.

Donald Dane.

Yesterday Mr. Dane said he imagined the examiner may have had a problem putting his foot on the clutch pedal.

"I told Mr. Greene to see the head of our examination section if he had a complaint.'' TESTING TIME -- Mr. Thayne Greene shows off his car's "failed'' TCD certificate. His purple Mini City later passed. (See story right).