Let us wear smart jeans, say cabbies

PLYMOUTH’S taxi drivers have written to all city councillors asking them to drop a ban on jeans and scrap plans to turn hackney carriages green and white.

The Plymouth Licensed Taxi Association has penned the strongly worded letter claiming there has not been a proper consultation on the new taxi licensing policy.

The association has listed a range of grievances it says need addressing including the unpopular dress code which bans jeans, sandals and t-shirts. The letter said: “While licensees agree that drivers’ dress should be of a certain standard, they strongly object to not being permitted to wear jeans that are in a good condition.”

The letter, signed by PLTA secretary Marin Leaves also asks for a rethink on moves to order all cabbies to change the colour of black hackney carriages to green and white by 2027.

Mr Leaves’ letter said: “Rather than imposing a costly livery with consequences not considered, an alternative is the Plymouth City Council coat of arms on the two front doors for which we are seeking permission through the correct channels for up to five vehicles to test public reactions and seek licensing authority approval. Additionally, the LA taxi licence number could be placed upon the roof for easy identification by safety cameras.”

In April, Plymouth City Council approved the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy 2022, which stipulated the distinctive black cabs must change hue. The council said the new livery will improve the visibility of cabs.