New Newcastle black cab rules to be imposed this week

How new black and white branded hackney carriage taxis in Newcastle will have to look.
-Credit: (Image: Newcastle City Council.)


The deadline looms for the nearly 600 black cab drivers in Newcastle to comply with new rules set out by Newcastle City Council.

Just over a year ago, the council introduced a policy requiring all hackney carriages to have specific, easily identifiable uniform features – but with a grace period to allow cabbies to being their vehicles up to code.

Now - from Friday, November 1, 2024 - all the city's near 600 cabs, which are the only cars that can be hailed in the street or hired at a taxi rank, should have: a base of black paint, with white bonnets, red council crests on the front doors and a City of Newcastle taxi sign on the roof, which is white at the front and red at the back.

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Cllr Dan Greenhough, Cabinet member for economy, jobs and skills, said: "The safety of everyone in Newcastle is our top priority, and that includes the taxis that play such an important and unique role in keeping our city moving.

"That is why it is crucial that we have a distinctive fleet of hackney carriages that the public can easily recognise as Newcastle taxis.

"By introducing unique branding passengers can be reassured that the driver and vehicle have met our very high licensing standards and that they will be transported to their destination safely.

"It also supports efforts to stop unlicensed drivers illegally plying for trade and preying on vulnerable people – particularly lone women – after a night out."

To support hackney carriage drivers with the new requirements, the council offered drivers who had held a taxi licence prior to mid-June 2023 a £100 grant towards the cost of fitting a white vinyl wrap to the bonnet of their vehicles. The vast majority took up the offer.

The new policy also requires private hire vehicles, which can only pick up pre-arranged bookings, to have a green council number plate and the operator's details on the rear passenger doors.

Cllr Greenhough added: "We thank our taxi drivers for complying with the new requirements and for their continued assistance in helping us to make Newcastle an attractive and vibrant place to live, work and visit."

But some taxi drivers feared they would get abuse from rival football fans over the black and white colours of the taxis. One driver feared adopting Newcastle United's colours would make rival football fans from Sunderland or visiting teams travelling to St James’ Park believe that cabbies support or are sponsored by the Magpies.

How new black and white branded hackney carriage taxis in Newcastle will have to look.
How new black and white branded hackney carriage taxis in Newcastle will have to look. -Credit:Newcastle City Council

Northumbria Police area commander for Newcastle, Chief Superintendent Barrie Joisce, said: "Newcastle is renowned for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere and our aim alongside our partners is to keep it that way.

"These changes will mean licensed carriages are easily recognisable to those looking to get home safely after enjoying a night out in the city and at other times of the day and week.

"The new policy also builds on our innovative Operation Redeemer patrols, in which we identify those offenders using vehicles to commit crime as part of the night-time economy and take the appropriate action.

"If you are in need of assistance while on an evening out, please don’t hesitate to speak to one of our officers. Remember, we’re here to help.

For those in need of assistance while on a night out, approach an officer on duty or call 101. In an emergency situation, or if a crime is taking place, always call 999.