Neon signs that grace the top of private hire vehicles could disappear under controversial new plans unveiled by Black Country transport chiefs.
Council bosses in Wolverhampton say the eye-catching rooftop signs are simply not a necessity because those drivers do not ply for hire.
It is also believed they cause confusion between private hire vehicles and black cabs. But the proposals have angered some taxi companies, which fear that they could have implications for public safety.
They argue passengers might not recognise their vehicles from normal cars.
Neil Caley, owner of ABC Countdown based in Raby Street, All Saints, said today his drivers were against the move. “My views are mainly about public safety but there are several reasons why I do not think this will work and all of our 140 drivers agree,” added Mr Caley.”If someone calls a taxi from a block of flats, then how on earth are they going to see a taxi from up there?
“It was the council that said we should have these signs on our taxis around eight years ago and now they want us to take them off - it just does not make any sense,” said Mr Caley.
“I would like to know what the people of Wolverhampton think of this because I am sure they would rather see clearly marked taxis,” he added.
An anonymous taxi driver who contacted the Express & Star added: “I think it is a bad idea, especially with people getting into unmarked taxis and either getting charged a fortune or in worse cases, abused.”
Instead of the rooftop signs, the council thinks private hire bosses could simply put logos on the side of their vehicles.
Tim Clark, spokesman for the council, said: “Private hire vehicles should not be hailed in the street so it is questionable why it is necessary for them to have illuminated yellow signs on their rooftops which can cause confusion with black cabs.
“Department of Transport guidelines state that rooftop signs on private hire vehicles are not considered best practice.”
A decision on the matter will be taken during April.
By Becky Sharpe
5 Comments
This has all come about because the black cabs went on strike before xmas.I wondered then what the council had told them to get them back to work,now we know.If the council take the signs off private hire how will genuine customers who phone for taxis from pubs,clubs restaurants etc identify their cars?It would be chaos and anyone with a four-door car could roam around looking for victims.
Another great mess about to be created, leave the signs alone. Stick on signs are easy enough to buy so I could make my vehicle look like a private car with out the roof lights.
any passanger in a taxi is a victim!
i wonder what the concil are going to replace them with,i bet it will be something they make a yearly charge for,watch this space
If all the black cabs are London style or the newer vastly superior E7s, the difference will be obviouse as they are not saloons, or MPV’s
Public safety is paramount so leave the signs alone