Liverpool Airport taxi drivers angry over new dress code
08.09.11
Taxi drivers have been ordered to smarten up by Liverpool Airport bosses, concerned over visitors’ first impressions of Liverpool. Cabbies picking up at the airport must now abide by a dress code detailing what they can and cannot wear, with football shirts, vests and flip-flops all on the banned list.
The airport’s conduct code states drivers must be ‘suitably attired’ and hackney drivers should maintain high standards of personal hygiene. Angry taxi drivers described the rules, which could see them banned from the rank if not followed, as ‘a step too far’. Some have already been stopped from plying for hire for repeatedly ignoring warnings.
This is worrying. What will passengers think arriving in Liverpool and being met by a man in a suit? It could remind them of the old joke: "Q: What do you call a Liverpudlian in a suit? A: The accused."
Surely cabbies' smartened attire is not going to influence new airlines to fly to Liverpool? Maybe renaming it Cheshire Parkway might.....