TAXI drivers will get the chance to have their say on controversial plans to curb the signage on their cabs after a meeting of the licensing committee last week. Members of the committee which met last Wednesday (April 8) were unwilling to restrict the u

TAXI drivers will get the chance to have their say on controversial plans to curb the signage on their cabs after a meeting of the licensing committee last week.

Members of the committee which met last Wednesday (April 8) were unwilling to restrict the use of lettering and light-up signs on cabs outright and opted instead to bring firms into the fold in a detailed consultation process.

Councillors decided that a sub-committee should be set up which could give drivers as well as members of the public the chance to offer their thoughts and opinions on how any changes would effect their business.

Cllr Sue Austen who attended the meeting, said: "I think it was the best outcome for all parties, it was certainly a much better way of doing things than if we on the committee simply played god."

Cllr Tony Parramint who will be sitting on the new the sub-committee along with Cllrs Andy Wright and Hazel Williams, said: "Members of the committee were not happy with the information that was put before them and decided that more consultation was needed before we made a decision.

"I am waiting for some information back from council officers and once that is in place we will be looking to move forward and help find a solution that is going to be best for both taxi drivers and the people who use the cabs on a regular basis."

News of the consultation was welcomed by partner at A10 taxis Martin Lane whose co-partner John Skipper raised concerns to the Ely Standard ahead of the meeting last week, he said: "We were fairly pleased with how the meeting went in that the councillors couldn't see any reason for the size of the lettering on the cars to be made smaller.

"We also agreed that there does need to be some distinction between the mini-cabs and hackney carriages so we will be looking to put our thoughts across at the consultation.