Ford hackney cabs could hit the streets of Bristol, without having to be re-sprayed in the official hackney colour, if councillors approve Ford’s shade of blue. The city council policy currently states that taxis must be the correct shade of ‘Bristol blue’ but a proposal to try and save cabbies some cash could see the council approve certain vehicle manufacturers to allow some variations of the colour.
Bristol Blue Policy
The uniform colour of Bristol’s taxis came into force eight years ago, but caused controversy among cabbies who argued that they were not given enough time to comply with the new rule. However, a judge ruled that colour rule should stay.
The rule only applies to hackney cabs and not private hire cars.
New Ford Hackney
Ford’s new version of the hackney cab comes in “deep impact blue metallic” and councillors are being asked to decide if they can be licensed without the need of a respray. The city council policy states that all taxis should be “Bristol Blue” so they can be easily identified as a licensed hackney cab.
“If the Ford deep impact blue metallic paint is sufficiently close to the approved Bristol blue paint code, members may wish to give approval to depart from their policy.”
A report has urged councillors to apply leniency when deciding if the colour should be approved.
It said: “If the Ford deep impact blue metallic is sufficiently close to the approved Bristol blue paint code, members may wish to give approval to depart from their policy.”
Councillors will meet on the 2nd February 2016 to debate the issue of the new Ford hackney.