Taxi horn ban

Instead, the drivers will have to walk to the front door to announce their presence.

The change is proposed in a new handbook for the town's licensed taxi and private hire drivers. The council's licensing and control committee will be asked to approve the revised handbook when members meet next Wednesday. They will be told that this new condition is to deal with a possible noise nuisance.

One driver said: "Everyone expects the taxi to hoot, surely it is not unreasonable before dusk."

The council's response is that it is unlawful to sound the horn while stationary, except to avoid an accident. A professional driver should go to the door, and the customer might also require assistance with luggage.

"Everyone will soon get used to this better service," say the officers.

The neighbours would also benefit, especially in areas where the houses are close together and the occupants are regular users of taxis.