Jeans and T-shirt ban for Plymouth hackney-cab drivers

The new rules which only apply to drivers of Hackney cabs, also includes a ban on hooded tops and tracksuits

Hackney-cab drivers in Plymouth have been banned from wearing jeans.

A meeting of the city council rubber-stamped new rules, which were approved by the cabinet last month.

The dress code is less restrictive than one originally proposed, but will still include a ban on denim trousers, open sandals and T-shirts.

Each driver must also attend an ambassador course as well as complete a spoken English test and a safeguarding workshop before April 2019.

Tracksuits and hooded jumpers will also be banned.

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The new dress code, which applies to Hackney carriage drivers only, says "as a minimum standard" drivers should wear:

• Collared shirt, collared polo shirt or collared blouse which has a full body and short or long sleeves

• Smart long-legged trousers (no denim), knee-length tailored shorts, knee-length skirt or dress

• Footwear for all drivers shall fit around the heel of the foot

Drivers will also be banned from using e-cigarettes while they have passengers on board.

Plans to include Plymouth City Council branding on cabs were not included in the taxi licensing policy changes

The new guidance says: "In order to maintain a pleasant environment for all passengers, the use of e-cigarettes or similar devices within the vehicle is prohibited while driving with a passenger."

Additionally, taxi drivers could have their taxi licence reviewed if they accumulate 12 penalty points or more for within a rolling period of 36 months.

Hackney driver Kevin Mann said he totally agreed with the spoken English test and most of the dress code.

"Driving in flip-flops is absolutely ridiculous and I agree with the ban on hoodies," he said.

"I'm not so sure with the ban on jeans - if the taxi breaks down or you've got to change a tyre you could ruin a good pair of trousers.

"All in all, though, I think it's okay."