Taxis need white bonnets as deadline for new rules loomsAll Newcastle black cabs must have the same easily identifiable features by 1 November 2024.
The top light of a Newcastle hackney carriage. On the white light box is the words "City of Newcastle upon Tyne taxi"
Passengers should be easily able to spot genuine black cabs in Newcastle as the deadline looms for taxi drivers to comply with new rules.
Just over a year ago Newcastle City Council introduced a policy requiring all hackney carriages to have specific, easily identifiable uniform features – but with a grace period to allow cabbies to being their vehicles up to code.
Now - from 1 November 2024 - all the nearly 600 cabs, which are the only cars that can be hailed in the street or hired at a taxi rank, should have:
a base of black paint, with white bonnets
red council crests on the front doors
a City of Newcastle taxi sign on the roof, which is white at the front and red at the back
https://youtu.be/QWA7NHATO3kCllr Dan Greenhough, Cabinet member for economy, jobs and skills, said: “The safety of everyone in Newcastle is our top priority, and that includes the taxis that play such an important and unique role in keeping our city moving.
“That is why it is crucial that we have a distinctive fleet of hackney carriages that the public can easily recognise as Newcastle taxis.
“By introducing unique branding passengers can be reassured that the driver and vehicle have met our very high licensing standards and that they will be transported to their destination safely.
“It also supports efforts to stop unlicensed drivers illegally plying for trade and preying on vulnerable people – particularly lone women – after a night out.”
To support hackney carriage drivers with the new requirements, the council offered drivers who’d held a taxi licence prior to mid-June 2023 a £100 grant towards the cost of fitting a white vinyl wrap to the bonnet of their vehicles. The vast majority took up the offer.
The new policy also requires private hire vehicles, which can only pick up pre-arranged bookings, to have:
a green council number plate
the operator’s details on the rear passenger doors
“We thank our taxi drivers for complying with the new requirements and for their continued assistance in helping us to make Newcastle an attractive and vibrant place to live, work and visit, work,” Cllr Greenhough said.
'We aim to keep Newcastle friendly and welcoming'
Northumbria Police area commander for Newcastle, Chief Superintendent Barrie Joisce, said: “Newcastle is renowned for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere and our aim alongside our partners is to keep it that way.
“These changes will mean licensed carriages are easily recognisable to those looking to get home safely after enjoying a night out in the city and at other times of the day and week.
“The new policy also builds on our innovative Operation Redeemer patrols, in which we identify those offenders using vehicles to commit crime as part of the night-time economy and take the appropriate action.
“If you are in need of assistance while on an evening out, please don’t hesitate to speak to one of our officers. Remember, we’re here to help.”
For those in need of assistance while on a night out, approach an officer on duty or call 101.
In an emergency situation, or if a crime is taking place, always call 999.
source:
https://new.newcastle.gov.uk/news/2024/taxis-need-white-bonnets-deadline-new-rules-looms
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