Age old problem for taxis

4:00pm Thursday 6th September 2007

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New rules to tighten up taxi regulations in Blackpool are set to be introduced.

The new measures, which include phasing out older vehicles and a dress code for drivers, have been agreed by councillors.

The rules mean that by 2013 vehicles over the age of 10 will be banned, a new testing regime that could see vehicles over five years old inspected four times a year will be introduced, and drivers will be banned from wearing sleeveless tops, t-shirts and football shirts.

Councillor Henry Mitchell, the chairman of the council's public protection sub-committee, said: "Taxi drivers are like Blackpool's shop window for visitors in town. We want the vehicles and drivers looking the part to make sure they give a good first impression.

"We want to get the message across to residents as well as visitors that they can travel comfortably and safely in a taxi. Everyone will benefit from these new changes, and it is a chance to smarten the image of the town up again."

From next January vehicles older than 15 years will be banned, meaning over 30 taxi's will be outlawed from the 750-strong fleet in the first year.

The policy will now go to the council's executive committee for ratification.