Denbighshire County Council’s licensing committee has agreed to introduce a smarter new look to the taxi trade including a ‘no shorts’ rule with an almost immediate effect.
The proposal came after one committee member said he felt “wearing shorts didn’t convey a professional image”.
The news has caused uproar amongst hackney taxi and private hire cab drivers in the area who have organised a petition against the introduction of the new guidelines.
The creator of the petition, which has received over 500 signatures, David Lloyd of Leddens Taxis, commented: “They’ve gone too far. Females are allowed to wear skirts below the knee but men aren’t able to wear shorts. There’s no harm in it, we’re only trying to keep cool.”
Last Minute Decision
The initial proposal outlined that drivers would be allowed to wear tailored three-quarter length shorts but a last-minute request, by Councillor Hugh Irving, saw the committee change the proposal to a bottom line – “no shorts may be worn” rule.
Unhappy, Mr Lloyd commented: “We’re talking about wearing tailored or three-quarter length shorts, not short shorts. It gets very hot in the summer and shorts are vital to help us keep cool. Not all cabs have air conditioning.
“I feel it’s an infringement of our human rights.”
“I feel it’s an infringement of our human rights.”
Soaring Temperatures in Summer
My Lloyd noted that in the summer months temperatures can rise to 30 degrees Celsius within the vehicles. He added: “Some of the drivers are sat waiting for a job for an hour; it’s not fair that they can’t keep cool in their working environment.
“I would like the council to re-think this and put some consideration into what people go through. As taxi drivers, we’re just trying to get people home safely.”
In short – or not as the case may be – it looks like it’s set to be trousers from now on for Denbighshire cabbies.