Plans proposed for taxi changes

Proposals are being put forward to remove the limit on the number of Hackney carriages in Hastings and standardise the colour scheme of taxis.

Under the plans all newly licensed private hire cars would be red with white doors while Hackney cabs would be white with dark blue bonnet and doors.

Drivers and owners are due to meet in the town to discuss the proposals.

Currently there are 48 Hackney cabs and 149 private hire cars - the plans would see limits removed immediately.

'Invaluable contribution'

Licensing officers in Hastings believe removing the limit will provide the town with better taxi cover, particularly at night.

More Hackney cabs will also mean better access for disabled passengers.

The council now plans to compile a consultation document to hand out to taxi users, disability groups and owners and drivers.

Councillor Godfrey Daniel, council member for transport, said: "Taxis and private hire cars make an invaluable contribution to transporting people around our town

"But we now need to improve that provision still further in a town that is really going places.

"More taxis of a higher quality are certainly at the centre of our proposals.