Taxi drivers could be allowed to wear hats in Blaenau Gwent under proposed new rules

Drivers are currently banned from wearing hats except in bad weather or on medical advice, a rule aimed at ensuring they can be identified.

An exemption is in place for those with a medical condition, but this requires drivers to pay to get a medical certificate.

A Blaenau Gwent council report says the rule has not gone without some objection from taxi drivers.

"This has previously been raised as a concern by drivers, particularly as the short nature of most journeys makes it impractical to take hats on and off where hats are needed," the report says.

"Permitting the wearing of hats would allow drivers to decide when they would feel the need to do so, rather than having to refer to licensing officers for a definition on when the wearing of hats would be permissible."

A change to the rule would need to ensure customers can still identify drivers though, the report says.

The change is one of several which could be put forward in a council consultation with the taxi trade, residents and customers.

Taxi rules have been identified as a priority for review after taxi licensing was devolved to the Welsh Government.

A report says "new challenges facing the taxi industry" and "outdated legislation" make it a priority for review.

A ban on the use of electronic cigarettes and vaping could also be considered, along with a ban on eating and drinking while the vehicle is moving.

Banning the use of e-cigarettes could allow for more effective smoking enforcement.

Blaenau Gwent council currently issues penalty points where taxi drivers are believed to have been smoking in their vehicles.

But a council report says some drivers have claimed they were using electronic cigarettes, instead.

"In a recent court case taken by a neighbouring authority, magistrates were concerned that the licensing officer may not have been able to see whether a cigarette was real or electronic," the report adds.

"The case was therefore lost as the authority was unable to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the driver had been smoking."

Read more: Around eight in 10 ten Welsh people don't know about taxi legalities

Banning taxi drivers from eating and drinking while a taxi is moving could also improve public safety and "help promote a positive professional image of taxi drivers in the Blaenau Gwent area," the report adds.

Councillors on the general licensing committee will consider launching a consultation on the proposals at a meeting next Tuesday, February 5.