Plans to rebrand Newcastle’s black cabs to make them ‘instantly recognisable’ have been approved by the city council.
In a move to improve safety, Newcastle City Council’s fleet of almost 600 licensed hackney carriages will be required to be all black with white bonnets.
Other required features include red council crests on the front doors, a white and red taxi sign on the roof, a green council number plate and the operator’s details on the back passenger doors.
The measures were approved at a city council meeting on September 6.
Cllr Paula Maines, cabinet member for a resilient city, said: ‘Taxis play an important role in keeping our city moving and many people in our communities rely upon them.
‘That is why it is so crucial that we have a distinctive fleet of hackney carriage and private hire vehicles that the public can easily recognise.
‘The unique branding will assure passengers that the driver, vehicle and operators have met our very high licensing standards and that they will be transported to their destination safely.
‘It also supports the work we do with key partners to stop unlicensed drivers illegally plying for trade and preying on vulnerable people – particularly lone women – after a night out.’
The council will provide a £100 grant so that taxi drivers can get the white vinyl wrap fitted to the bonnet of their vehicle.
The policy also includes a requirement for any new vehicles to be compliant with the environmental standards of Newcastle and Gateshead’s clean air zone.
