Taxi driver Russell Talliss models the latest fashion on the streets

by Peter Walker

Scruffy taxi drivers in Maidstone could be told to smarten up under a new dress code.

Councillors are considering introducing the voluntary guide for all licensed cabbies in order to set a better impression to visitors.

A draft “driver’s dress code” bans flipflops and sandals without backs, sportswear, short shorts, clothing with offensive language or with logos and anything dirty or ripped.

"the majority are quite respectfully dressed, but some of the larger people have a problem to get the clothes they require" – taxi boss dennis conyon

Chairman of Maidstone Taxi Proprietors’ Association Dennis Conyon said it was just a small minority who were not well turned out.

“There have never been any complaints from members of the public – it was just something the council wished to do.

“The majority are quite respectfully dressed, but some of the larger people have a problem to get the clothes they require,” he said.

Mr Conyon is generally happy with the dress code and added: “We live in a different world now.

“I’m 78 years of age and when I was a cab driver it was a tie and shirt, but times have changed.”

The report submitted to the council’s licensing committee says acceptable clothing includes shirts, tops covering the shoulders which are also long enough to be tucked into trousers, shorts and footwear which fits around the heel.

For women taxi drivers this also includes knee-length skirts.

The report states: “The purpose of a driver’s dress code is to seek a minimum standard of dress that provides a positive image of the Hackney carriage and private hire trade in Maidstone, enhances a professional image of licensed drivers and ensures that public and driver safety is not compromised.”