Hartlepool Borough Council is asking townspeople to take part in a survey as part of a consultation which closes at the end of next month.
The council says that, as the Licensing Authority, it has received a request to amend the current policy, relating to the colour requirements for hackney carriage vehicles.
A spokesperson said: “Under the existing policy, all hackney carriage vehicles are required to be professionally painted or wrapped in a non-standard production shade of yellow. We would welcome your views and invite you to share any comments, observations, or concerns you may have. Your feedback will help inform the council’s consideration of the proposed change.”
The consultation was first mooted at the end of last year on whether the fleet of hackney carriages should remain the town’s distinctive yellow or move to a more practical colour option.
At the time, taxi bosses argued that the rule that all the town’s hackney carriages must be professionally painted or wrapped in a non-standard yellow shade adds unnecessary cost at a time when taxi numbers are falling.
They said wrapping or spraying vehicles to the required standard now costs more than £2,000 and leaves some drivers resorting to cheaper finishes that fade quickly and reduce vehicle value.
Residents can complete the survey at https://yoursay.hartlepool.gov.uk/…/taxi-colour…
The consultation closes on Friday, 28th August.
