DROPPING THE PURPLE? Royal Borough licensing panel deliberates on distinctive taxi livery changes
The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead’s Licensing Panel is set to make a final decision on changes to the livery of local Hackney Carriages. This follows a protracted period of discussion and public consultation.
Earlier this year, the Panel agreed in principle to modify the livery, aiming to strike a balance between updating the design and reducing the financial burden on drivers. Authority to finalise the details was initially delegated, but consensus has not been reached, and the matter now returns to the Licensing Panel for a decision.
The proposed options include a mandatory white base colour for newly licensed vehicles, with the Royal Borough’s crest displayed on the front doors. This new livery will also indicate if a vehicle is hybrid or electric.
The introduction of this simplified and more cost-effective design aligns with the findings of a 2023 public consultation, where 64.8% of respondents favoured keeping the livery unchanged. The proposed changes have been crafted to ensure that the recognisable branding remains while lowering costs for drivers.
Alternatives being considered include allowing a broader colour palette of silver or grey, or removing the uniformity altogether, which could reduce vehicle costs further but risks compromising the clear recognition that is key for passenger safety.
A final decision is expected soon, with new livery requirements planned for February 2025, unless further consultation is deemed necessary.
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