Portsmouth taxi drivers will have the option of magnetic signs with new trial
TAXI drivers in Portsmouth will have the option of using magnetic signs from November, after a trial was approved by city councillors.
Members of the council's licensing committee agreed to run a 12-month trial for magnetic livery on hackney carriages and private hire vehicles following a spate of vandalism where drivers believed they were being targeted.
The signs, used to indicate that the vehicles are licensed by the council, were approved by councillors in February this year but their roll-out was subject to when the signs could be ready.
During the virtual licensing meeting today (September 25) a deputation from city taxi driver Viv Young was read out. It said: 'I am supportive of the recommendation to allow private hire vehicle and hackney carriage drivers to have the option of magnetic or permanent livery.
'I can empathise with the drivers who have had their cars vandalised when parked up sometimes in not very secure locations. It will help give some drivers peace of mind. It will be interesting to see how many take up the offer.'
It was also agreed that as part of the trial the council will implement a four point penalty if signs are not correctly displayed. The costs of the signs will be met by drivers as part of their licence.
Drivers will have the option to stick to the permanent signs if preferred.
The trial will be reviewed in November 2021.
During the same meeting changes to several taxi ranks across the city were also agreed by members.