The proposals drew 7 objections from members of the PH trade and a petition signed by 12 HC drivers after the council announced plans to raise renewal costs for both vehicles and drivers.

Jill Donison, 51, from Seaham, came up with the concept while working as a private hire driver and noticing how positively passengers reacted to having a woman behind the wheel.

The push for reform follows data revealing that the council received 89 complaints last year regarding drivers and vehicles licensed by other local authorities. 

The proposals would relax the rules for Category N vehicles, which have non-structural damage, and Category S, which have structural damage but can legally return to the road once repaired.

Leon Gladdis, 29, from Newport, was sentenced at the Isle of Wight Crown Court after admitting a series of dangerous offences across Devon and the Isle of Wight.

Councillors will meet on Wednesday 11 November to decide whether to introduce new licensing conditions requiring the city’s black cab drivers to carry working credit and debit card readers. 

A prominent taxi boss has warned drivers that a single mistake can destroy their livelihood after a major operator lost his licence. 

A big well done to Dara Singh, a driver with Wednesfield Cars in Wolverhampton, who went out of his way to ensure a loyal customer was reunited with his money.