Brighton and Hove taxis to carry adverts

Taxis in Brighton and Hove are to be allowed to display adverts on their rear wings.

The cab trade asked for the strict rules governing taxi liveries to be relaxed, saying that drivers’ incomes had been hit hard by the economic downturn and rising pump prices.

Their request was granted by Brighton and Hove City Council Licensing Committee yesterday (Thursday 17 November).

Councillor Lizzie Deane, chair of the licensing committee, said: “We are mindful that local cabbies are working in an increasingly tough economic environment.

“Being able to advertise on their vehicles will help to address this as income from advertising will benefit the city’s taxi proprietors and help them with operating costs.

“The adverts will not detract from the livery on the taxis, so the public can remain confident that they are using a legitimate vehicle.”

The request came from the Brighton and Hove Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Consultation Forum.

The council has already agreed guidance for advertising inside wheelchair-accessible vehicles and similar guidelines could be used for advertising on other taxis.

The council said that local businesses and attractions were expected to make up the bulk of advertising on taxis rather than large national brands.