Welsh Government Introduces New Dress Code for Taxi Drivers

A new dress code for taxi drivers in Wales is set to be introduced under proposed licensing laws by the Welsh Government. The policy aims to ensure that private hire and hackney carriage drivers maintain a professional appearance while on duty. Drivers failing to adhere to the new standards may receive written warnings, according to a recent Conwy Council licensing committee discussion.

The proposed regulations specify that taxi drivers must wear clean and well-maintained clothing. Items such as baseball caps, vest tops, and dirty or damaged clothing will not be permitted. Licensing authorities will have the power to issue warnings to drivers who do not comply with these rules. The discussion at the Conwy Council meeting highlighted concerns about enforcement and the practical challenges of monitoring driver attire.

Glan Conwy councillor Sharon Doleman asked:

"Regarding the written warning, if the dress code is not adhered to, would that be given to the individual taxi driver or to the proprietor of the taxi company?"

Licensing officer John Donnelly explained:

"With regards to enforcement, a written warning would go to the driver that is the offender. We wouldn't necessarily inform their employer unless we deemed it appropriate. As is now, if a driver is offending in any way, we deal with the driver first, particularly with hackney carriages because they may be the sole proprietor. They may not work for anybody else."

The new dress code outlines clear requirements for acceptable and unacceptable clothing. Drivers must wear trousers, smart jeans, polo shirts, or smart T-shirts. Shorts and skirts should not be shorter than knee length, and footwear must have proper heel support. Items such as flip flops, low-cut tops, and excessively tight or revealing clothing are prohibited. Additionally, drivers are advised not to wear hoods over their heads while driving.

Enforcement of these regulations will involve random checks by the council, with licensing officers conducting inspections throughout the day and evening. John Donnelly stated:

"We do random checks of an evening, daytime. We also work with school transport, so we are active on the ground, and we do inspect every vehicle and every driver within that vehicle at least twice a year."

Concerns were raised about how these rules would be practically enforced, particularly whether passengers would be responsible for reporting non-compliance.

Councillor Doleman questioned:

"How is this going to be enforced? Some of this is subjective, I guess. Is it going to be enforced proactively or reactively?"

A draft policy, including these new rules, is expected to be presented to the licensing committee in September for further discussion and approval.