Taxi Driver Online

5 Mar 2008

Neon cab signs may fade into past

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.

Source: expressandstar.com
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It has to be a good idea, when PH drivers don't like it.

_________________
Former taxi driver

Public safety is paramount, all PH should have some kind of roof sign

Not according to the "best practise" document you think is so wonderful skippy.

_________________
Former taxi driver

Too many would see it as a licence to ply for hire Skippy.

_________________

http://wingsoverscotland.com/ http://www.newsnetscotland.com/

Yeah right black cabs do get confused with Skodas don't they.

_________________
IDFIMH

Not everywhere is a black cab only area. Joe public also doesn't always understand the difference (or care).

_________________

http://wingsoverscotland.com/ http://www.newsnetscotland.com/

I agree, but what the difference between the local PH trade having proper roof-lights and signage, and non local taxis and PH having roof-lights and signage but dropping off and picking up in your manor?

_________________
IDFIMH

Up here no PH has a roof sign. They are prohibited under the CGSA 1982 from displaying anything that would suggest they are a taxi.

_________________

http://wingsoverscotland.com/ http://www.newsnetscotland.com/

Cabbies to keep signs on the roof


A decision to allow taxi drivers in Wolverhampton to keep neon signs on top of their vehicles has been rubberstamped following a debate by the licensing committee.

Private hire cars in the city will not be forced to rip the signs down, despite Government advice suggesting it should happen.

Instead of taking up the controversial policy, the council is sending out fresh guidance on the signs to ensure drivers maintain them properly.

The guidance says that all signs must be illuminated, have a name and telephone number of the taxi firm, have council logos at both ends, and not have any cracks or holes in them.

All the private hire taxis are to be given a 12-month ‘‘lead-in period” so that they can replace their battered old signs with new ones if need be.

But Councillor Stephen Simkins, Labour member for Bilston East, told the committee yesterday: “I want all of these signs removed. Instead we should be focusing on things like enforcement so private hire cars don’t ply for hire.”

Councillor Peter Wilson, Tory member for Fallings Park, said: “I think we should definitely keep the signs in place, despite that fact that it costs drivers £50 or £60.”

_________________
Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

Here in sunny Baldock, North Herts., we don't really have any PH, and the Taxis are all saloons with a few E7's thrown in.

However the local Domino Pizza shop uses roof signs on its cars, and people still try to stop them. People see a roof sign, they don't care what the vehicle is.

I'm with this council, being pre-booked along with the available modern technology means there is no need for PH cars to be dressing up like Taxis. Lets face one of the main reason's Taxis have roof signs is to enable people to hail them.

sorted

get a paint brush



i dont WANT a rooflight thank you

what, when a hackney isnt a hackney?.....lol

40'000 London Minicabs manage.

Have some flat roof lettering applied, then the drivers can't use it to tout, and folks in the flats can look down and see the roof lettering.

Easy innit?

pop up please, its the one with the light on, ive not got much luggage...