Dress code changes anger cabbies

Dress code changes anger cabbies

The rules say no more than two shirt buttons may be undone

More than 80 taxi drivers have signed a petition after being told to smarten their dress or face losing their licences.

Blaenau Gwent Council said the rules, introduced in August, helped "portray a better image" of the service.

But angry drivers said wearing clothing like tracksuits should be allowed.

Tracksuits and football tops are not permitted, shirts must not carry any words or pictures other than logos, and non-religious headwear is also banned.

Councillor Derek Morris, Chairman of Blaenau Gwent Council's Licensing Committee, said the petition was received "some time ago" and was reviewed by the committee.
One of the rules for drivers" All clothing shall be free from holes, rips and snags and fastenings shall be in good order "



But he added: "It was decided that no further action will be taken with regard to the recent amendments to the licence conditions.

"The current licence conditions came into force in 1978 and have only been periodically modified since that time."

Alan Oldham, of Alan's Taxis in Ebbw Vale - who likes wearing a tracksuit to work - said many drivers had been angered by the rules.

'Nanny state'

He added: "The passengers don't really take much notice of what you're wearing, unless it's really outlandish and then of course you'll lose that customer if it's that far-out.

"I've had no complaints whatsoever, and as far as I can make out within the borough there have been no complaints made about the style of dress of any of the taxi drivers.

"As far as we're concerned it seems to be we're having a nanny state whereby we're being told what we can wear, what we can't wear.

"Their priority should be, is the driver licensed, has he got proper insurance on the vehicle?"

Cllr Morris said the new rules were brought in to "raise standards".

He added: "The introduction of a dress code will ensure that all taxi drivers portray a better image of the valuable service they provide for the public.

"The overall response to the new guidelines has been generally positive."

Tailored shorts

Among other rules, the council states that male drivers must wear, as a minimum, a shirt or t-shirt with trousers or denim jeans and tailored shorts having a fly fastening and capable of being worn with a belt.

Shirts or t-shirts must cover shoulders and no more than the collar button and neck button must be undone.

Female drivers face the same rules, "with the substitution of blouse for shirt and the addition of skirt to tailored shorts or trousers".

The rules also state that "to avoid any doubt, tracksuit tops and trousers and football shirts shall not be permitted."

UK Cabbies Reject Dress Code


BBC News reports that over 80 cabbies have rejected the new dress code Blaenau Gwent Council has put into place. These cabbies have signed petitions against the change in the way that they dress while working. The Blaenau Gwent Council wants cabbies to dress more professional and cleaner. Cabbies argue that there is nothing wrong with tracksuits and football tops. If the taxi drivers do not comply with the new dress code they may be at risk of losing their licences.

The new dress code says that tracksuits and football tops will not be allowed. Nothing with any wording, pictures or religious implications will be permitted. Taxi drivers are building their defence by stating that passengers do not usually notice what they wear and there haven't been any complaints from passengers.

This new dress code make cabbies feel as though they are limited in what they can and cannot wear. The men are only allowed to wear a shirt or T-Shirts that covers their shoulder with trousers or denim jeans. Men can wear tailored shorts but they have to have fly fastening and be able to wear a belt. If the shirt is a button up or a Polo Shirt, only one button can be undone. For women, the same applies but they can also wear skirts and blouses.

The new dress code is being put into place to portray a more professional look to passengers. However, if the taxi drivers are uncomfortable and upset with their new attire, their attitude may undermine the professionalism that the Blaenau Gwent Council is trying to achieve.