Cabbies threaten to quit over car repainting rule

Taxi drivers in Plymouth are poised to rebel against orders to paint their cabs so that women feel safer in the city.

Plymouth city council will introduce new rules next month that require drivers to repaint their cars to promote “pride and professionalism”.

It also says women will feel safer using a “distinctively marked vehicle”.

The change could cost each cabbie between £1,500 and £2,000. That can be reclaimed as a business expense, but some say they cannot afford the outlay.

Drivers said they could quit their jobs unless the policy is reversed.

In a statement the council said drivers would “have a five-year lead-in time to comply with the requirement”.