Newcastle’s taxis are set for a black and white makeover in a bid to stop unlicensed drivers preying on vulnerable people.
Council chiefs have announced plans to rebrand the city’s hackney carriages in Newcastle United’s famous black and white colours, in an effort to make them instantly recognisable and crack down on crimes involving sexual violence. Amid concerns of criminals using unlicensed vehicles to pose as taxis and target victims, particularly lone women, official hackney carriage drivers approved by the local authority will soon have to comply with rules to give their cabs a “distinct” look.
Under a new policy set to be signed off next week by Newcastle City Council, hundreds of black cab drivers will have to fit a white wrap around their bonnet in order to ensure they have a “unique branding that is readily identifiable” for passengers. The city’s Street Pastors called the move a “big step towards creating a safer night out”.
