Is it a 'fare' rule for taxi drivers?

By spalmer

SHOULD taxi and hackney carriage drivers be allowed to show their support for England by wearing football shirts during the World Cup?

Today we are asking for your views after it was revealed a new dress code for drivers – which comes into force on April 1 – would see any driver donning a football shirt risking their licence.

Mr O’Neill is upset after drivers have been banned from wearing England football shirts during the World Cup

As reported, the dress code was approved last year by North East Lincolnshire Council's Community Protection Committee, after discussions with a working group.

Chairman of the Hackney Carriage Association, Dave Atkin said: "There was a working group set up to discuss various aspects of the job, including qualifications, ages of cabs and dress code.

"Rather than introduce a uniform, it was decided to exclude clothing such as flip flops, ripped jeans and sports wear. We are trying to improve the image of taxi drivers and get rid of the image of drivers in string vests."

However, drivers are unhappy they will not be able to show they are backing the England squad.

Simon O'Neill, 38, said: "I think it is a disgrace. We are supposed to be self-employed. We should be allowed to wear what we want so long as we are clean and tidy.

"We should be allowed to wear the strip with the World Cup coming up."

Read more in your Grimsby Telegraph today. In the meantime, let us know what you think by commenting on this story, emailing newsdesk@grimsbytelegraph.co.uk or calling the reporting team on (01472) 372236.