Dress code for Moray taxi drivers
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
A DRESS code for taxi drivers has been approved by Moray Councillors.
The code bans drivers from wearing trainers, tracksuit bottoms and round-neck T-shirts, and advises that polo-shirts, trousers and shoes would be acceptable.
The code, introduced by the licensing committee on Wednesday, follows a review of taxi and private hire licences and a public survey.
Drivers will also be banned from smoking while they are parked at the taxi rank and a language and knowledge test will soon be devised as part of their licensing application.
The consultation was carried out during February last year when representations were sought from the public, the taxi trade, local organisations, Police Scotland and other interested parties.
It was the first time in more than 10 years that a review of taxi and private hire licences had been carried out. The survey showed that 60% of those who responded favoured the introduction of a dress code for drivers to create a smart, clean and tidy impression. A restriction on smoking was favoured by 67% of respondents, while 96% supported the introduction of a language test as part of the application process.
Licensing committee chairman Councillor Ron Shepherd said: "Our taxi drivers are often the first person to deal with visitors to Moray, especially when they are collected from airports and trains stations.
"That first impression is important, and a suitable dress code is one way of making that impression a good one.
"According to our survey, Moray’s residents that use taxis expect a certain standard too, and I know drivers and owners of taxi firms are keen to meet that."
