A trial scheme has been introduced across East Riding, Yorkshire which sees distinctive new livery applied to hackney taxis. The fresh new look consists of green and white panels and a Yorkshire rose symbol. The reason behind the change is to ensure that hackney carriages can be clearly identified by the public and to give its users the confidence that the vehicles meet all of the safety standards necessary to be a licensed hackney taxi.
Councillor Stephen Parnaby commented: “The majority of the taxi trade has fully supported the introduction of the livery and I’ve also seen a very positive reaction from the public when they see the vehicles on the rank.
“The cabs are very distinctive, and while the colours and the symbol are not identical to those of the council, they’re similar and can reassure customers that when they get into one of these taxis the driver holds all the correct licenses. I’m also proud to say that our council is leading the way. Protecting the public’s safety and wellbeing, as well as the drivers’, is paramount.”
Hackney Taxi Support
“I would urge all taxi drivers to get on board as it does create an East Riding brand.”
There’s been overwhelming support from the taxi trade so far with many drivers saying that the livery will give them a more professional look and make it easier for customers to recognise the cabs.
Malcolm Malton and Kevin Collins, taxi drivers from Bridlington, fully support the decision and volunteered to be part of the first batch of taxis to trial the new branding. Malcolm said: “I’m fully in support of the livery which is very distinctive and makes the vehicles easy to recognise. I would urge all taxi drivers to get on board as it does create an East Riding brand.”
Kevin added: “The livery also helps promote public safety. People will start to recognise the design and know that the driver of the taxi they’re about to get into holds the correct licences. I think it’s a great idea.”
Rolling Out Across the Trade
“We’re delighted with the appearance of the new East Riding livery. It’s instantly recognisable to customers.”
All going well with the trial, the plan is to have the livery rolled out across all current and new hackney taxis by 2020.
Councillor Shaun Horton said: “We’re delighted with the appearance of the new East Riding livery. It’s instantly recognisable to customers. This is a new safety measure and will raise professional standards within the trade. We look forward to seeing more taxis with the new livery on our ranks soon.”