Taxi drivers in London are calling on the transport authority to allow motorists to display flags on St George's Day to show their patriotism.
London's famous black cab drivers are calling on Transport for London to allow them to fly flags from their cars to celebrate England's patron saint.
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Taxi drivers around the country have previously been warned against displaying flags, as seen during the 2018 World Cup.
At the time, councils argued that the clip-on flags could be viewed as a distraction to other road users and potentially lead to an increase in accidents.
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Some have called for drivers to be able to display flags
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The National Private Hire and Taxi Association (NPHTA) has called on Transport for London to reverse the ban and allow drivers to celebrate by flying flags.
Speaking to The Telegraph, David Lawrie, director of the NPHTA, said: “When it comes to the ban on the English flag, it’s bonkers.
"We live in England and we should be proud to represent our country. At what point do you consider political correctness to have gone too far?
"You can’t have one rule that eliminates any sort of British pride but then be allowed to proudly display the flag of another country.”
Taxi drivers in the capital have called on the transport authority to allow them to fly flags to show their patriotism.
This has been a frequent issue during global sporting events, like the World Cup or European Championships - both of which attract a swelling of patriotic fever.
Guidance from the Government about flying flags outlines that flags must not obscure the view of the road or any traffic signs.
A TfL spokesperson said: "For the safety and comfort of all passengers and drivers, we have long-standing guidelines in place about what can be displayed in or on taxis and private hire vehicles and only official signs and stickers can be displayed.
"Any other signage or flags are not permitted because they could cause a distraction to other drivers and other road users. These guidelines apply to all flags and signage."
Earlier this year, a taxi driver from Market Drayton won an appeal to display the Union Jack on his taxi after it was banned by his local council the year before.
Speaking to GB News, Basil Brockhurst said he was "perturbed" by the matter after a change in policy by Shropshire Council in April 2023.
The taxi driver, who served in the armed forces between 1975 and 2014, said: "On October 17 they sent me an email saying I had to remove the cross of St George and the Union Flag from my vehicle.
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One taxi driver won an appeal to fly the Union Jack on his cab
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"Obviously I was not happy, I was quite perturbed. 30 years’ service for Queen and country in Northern Ireland and Iraq and suddenly I’m told I cannot display the cross of St George and the Union Jack.”
In response to the controversy, Brockhurst said he wanted to add a poppy to the taxi, alongside his ex-regimental crest.
However, this would require the permission of the Royal British Legion and the Ministry of Defence before he can submit an application to his local council.
