PROTEST AGAINST WHITE BONNET REBRAND

However, just 18 responses were received from the taxi industry, and only one member of the public expressed support for fares freezing, citing current fares as unaffordable. As a result of the limited response, Mid Argyll SNP Councillor Jan Brown proposed that fares be frozen, commenting that “most people who did respond wanted fares left as they were anyway”. The proposal will now be advertised, and responses invited before the committee next meets on 23 August.

Taxi drivers in Newcastle have protested against plans to rebrand the city's hackney carriages in black and white, claiming that the changes will cause "huge burden" for them.

The plans require licensed taxis to fit a white wrap around their bonnets, matching the colours of Newcastle United. City council leaders argue that the new colour scheme will make it easier to recognise licensed taxis and help crack down on crime.

However, according to Chronicle Live, more than 40 drivers staged a demonstration outside the local authority HQ ahead of a Newcastle City Council meeting, calling for the idea to be dropped.

They argue that the cost of fitting the white wraps will be too high, and that it will be difficult to maintain and clean the white surfaces.

Newcastle City Council's nearly 600 licensed hackney carriages will be all black but with distinguishable white bonnets. The vehicles will also need to display red Council crests on the front doors and have a taxi sign on the roof that is white at the front and red at the rear.