Tailored shorts are expected to be given the go ahead for taxi drivers in Bath and North East Somerset, as part of new licensing conditions being discussed by B&NES Council’s cabinet.
The topic of whether taxi drivers across Bath and North East Somerset should be allowed to wear shorts attracted widespread attention when a report went before the council’s licensing committee in October.
Now the B&NES cabinet, when it meets on Tuesday 18th December, is being asked to rubber-stamp a proposal which says ‘drivers will be expected to be respectably dressed and clean and tidy in appearance’.
The proposal gives an example of tailored shorts being acceptable, but rules out flip-flops and beach shorts.
Councillor Bob Goodman, cabinet member for Development and Neighbourhoods, said “Following a rather entertaining fashion parade at our last committee meeting we’ve listened to views and amended our proposals.
“People’s ideas about acceptable dress vary greatly but what we want to do is to help improve the overall professionalism of the service while thinking about the passenger’s experience. Under our new plans what’s acceptable and what’s not is now clear.
“Beach wear, sportswear, vest tops and flip flops would be out, as they are not appropriate work wear, but tailored shorts would be acceptable.”
In addition in the revised policy, new drivers applying for a licence will now be required to undertake an English competency test to ensure all drivers have an acceptable command of the language, in the interest of the passenger and public safety.
All drivers will also be required to undertake awareness training around the issue of Child Sexual Exploitation, so that they can better report concerns to the right authorities.
