Cannock taxi drivers in new rules row

TAXI drivers in Cannock will be drugs tested, banned from wearing hats and forced to improve their cabs under new plans unveiled today.

Council bosses said they wanted to improve the image of cab drivers in the town. But the proposals have angered firm bosses who are now seeking legal advice.

Under the plans, Cannock Chase Council will screen drivers for drink and drugs – and make them pay for the tests themselves.

The local authority will also ask cabbies to let it know each time a Hackney carriage is being used for "private leisure purposes".

Hats will be banned except for religious reasons and cabs made more wheelchair-friendly.

But Will Rotchell, who runs Cannock-based Corky's Cars, said some of the changes could damage the trade. The 42-year-old said his firm was seeking legal advice over the changes.

He said plans to allow only Hackney carriages with wheelchair access to pull up at taxi ranks would cause the most trouble, claiming it can cost up to £40,000 to modify vehicles.

"If they keep making these kind of changes they are going to kill the trade," he said today.

While Terry Airey, 54, who runs Terry's Taxis in Hednesford, said he supports the drugs testing but branded the hats ban as silly.

A consultation has now been launched and will close on August 31.

Deputy leader Janus Toth said: "We license the trade in our district to make sure that residents get a safe service, so the views of taxi users are just as important."

A report on the changes says: "The use of illegal 'recreational' drugs is a growing use within society and their use by licensed drivers, even in small amounts, potentially compromises public safety."