REDDITCH Council could be heading for a clash with town licensed taxi drivers after proposals to make all hackney carriages the same colour.

Ideas for uniform paintwork were discussed at Monday's corporate resources committee.

With 160 taxis and 60 private hire cars on the road, Redditch has the most in Worcestershire.

But taxi driver and councillor Mohammed Nasir, who does not sit on the committee, has already opposed the idea.

But council taxi licensing officer Eddie Isaacs said the proposal was at an early stage pending further reports.

He said drivers were to be consulted and acknowledged the cost implications for them.

Meanwhile, a 'mystery customer' scheme will soon be introduced in Redditch to ensure drivers are using their meters.

Mr Isaacs said the coming months would see the scheme start to try to reduce cases of drivers guessing the fare and overcharging.

He added a new taxi waiting lane up from the bus station in Ipsley Street had been left unused for months because of problems with an electronic sign.