TAXI drivers being forced to put new roof signs on their vehicles fear the increased uniformity in Darlington's Hackney carriage fleet could reduce safety for passengers.

But Darlington Borough Council, which is introducing the changes, moved quickly to dispel the fears yesterday, saying the alterations will make the taxis safer.

John Singh, proprietor of Abbacab, one of the town's leading firms, raised the concerns.

When the changes are enforced, all Hackney carriages will have to carry plain white roof signs, bearing only the word Taxi.

Mr Singh said he and other drivers feared passengers would not know which firm they were travelling with, which could lead to problems if they needed to contact or identify the company at a later time.

He said the problem was particularly worrying when elderly people or young women returning from nights out were considered.

"This is going to cause confusion with the public. They won't know what they are getting into, especially young girls on a night," he said.

"Taxis are going to pull up on a night and they are just going to have 'Taxi' on them."

He said Hackney carriages would not be allowed to advertise their names on the side of vehicles unless they were bright red, whereas some firms had maroon, or other coloured vehicles.

"We are quite frightened about the outcome," said Mr Singh.

But Barry Pearson, the council's commercial licensing manager, said the uniformity of the town's fleet would help people know the vehicle they were getting into was a licensed taxi.

"They shouldn't have a problem, because the vehicle is clearly identified as a Darlington taxi. How can that be a safety issue?" he asked.