PRIVATE hire drivers across the borough have welcomed a council decision to back off in a decision over sign displays.

They were angry about a policy issued by the council stating they must display their roof signs at all times, even when they were not on duty. This caused out-rage amongst the drivers as they claimed the ruling was putting their own safety at risk due to confusion from the general public.

If caught driving without their roof signs, drivers faced a two month ban.

Taxi companies across the borough joined forces and gained support from Lye councillors Pete Lowe and Mohammed Hanif, who got behind the campaign to get a change in the policy.

At a meeting with Dudley Council officials and Cllr Doreen Ameson, chairman of the Taxis’ Committee, it was decided the council would be concentrating on other resources and not on taxi drivers displaying their roof signs while they were not working.

Cllr Pete Lowe said: “We are glad common sense prevailed with regard to the roof signs being displayed. “We and the taxi drivers are overjoyed with the outcome of the meeting and we thank everyone who helped and supported the campaign.”

Shazada Saleem from Beacon Taxis added: “We have always fully co-operated and shown respect with Dudley Council but we were concerned about the welfare and the safety of the drivers.

“Our hard work has paid off and we are really happythe councilmadethe decision not to focus on drivers who are off duty. “We are always fully behind the council but we are glad they will respect the drivers safety as this is an important thing.”

A Dudley Council spokesman said: “Legally, once a private hire vehicle becomes licensed, it is always a private hire vehicle, even if it is used for personal journeys.

“It is a condition of the licence that the car must always display the roof sign whenever it is on a public highway. “However, when it comes to enforcement our focus has always been and will continue to be, on drivers who are working.”