Taxi and private hire drivers in Manchester could be banned from wearing tracksuits, football shirts, flip-flops and clothes with ‘offensive’ words on them under new rules being considered by the town hall.

Bosses at Manchester City Council want to introduce a dress code for licensed drivers in a bid to create a ‘positive image’ and reduce complaints, which would also see drivers prohibited from using e-cigarettes or having lengthy mobile phone calls in the car.

Under the rules that have been drawn up by the town hall, drivers would also be prohibited from wearing hoodies or short skirts.

New documents say the council will stop short of imposing a specific uniform, but it has released a list of ‘unacceptable’ examples.

These include:
Clothing that is not kept in a clean condition, free from holes, rips or other damage.

Words or graphics on any clothing that is of an offensive or suggestive nature which might offend. 

 

Sportswear e.g. football/rugby kits including shirts, tracksuits in whole or part or beachwear. 

Sandals with no heel straps, flip flops or any other footwear not secure around the heel. 

 

The wearing of any hood or any other type of clothing that may obscure the driver’s vision or their identity.

The documents also lay out proposed ‘minimum standards’ for male and female drivers.

“As a minimum standard whilst working a licensed driver, males should wear trousers and a shirt which has a full body and short/long sleeves. Knee-length tailored shorts are acceptable,” it says.

“As a minimum standard whilst working as a licensed driver, females should wear trousers, or a knee-length skirt or dress, and a shirt/blouse which has a full body and a short/long sleeve. Knee-length tailored shorts are also acceptable,” it continues.

Exceptions related to faith or disability for both genders are accepted, the papers add

The plans have been revealed in documents going before Monday’s licensing meeting where they will be discussed by councillors.

They come as part of wider plans by the town hall to take a look at private hire licensing conditions.
As well as a clearer dress code, ‘refreshed licence conditions’ could include prohibitions on vaping, conducting ‘lengthy telephone conversations’ whilst driving passengers or ‘use any hand-held device whilst driving or allow themselves to be distracted in any other way’.

https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/taxi-drivers-dress-code-manchester-17578907
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