PROPOSALS which might have seen traditional black cabs on the streets of Redditch have been voted down by councillors.

Council taxi licensing officers had suggested introducing a policy where all new Hackney Carriage drivers would have to invest in a black London-style cab.

They said it would mean new taxis were wheelchair accessible and ensure a good choice of vehicles in the town.

Since the black cabs are more expensive it would also cut down the increasing number of taxi licences being issued, which Redditch Taxi Association said is diluting trade and leading to overcrowded ranks.

A report for councillors on the executive committee said the problem was partly due to the number of part-time taxi drivers applying for licences.

They would be dissuaded if they had to buy a black cab.

The other option was to vote for vehicles which simply met European 'M1' safety standards and had facilities for carrying disabled people - but were not black cabs.

However when it came to voting on the proposal, councillors seemed split down party lines.

Conservative Pat Wilson said: "I hope we don't go back to restricted numbers of taxis which would not be in the interests of Redditch people."

She added: "I for one have great difficulty in getting into a black cab. They are not that easy for many people."

Labour and Liberal Democrat councillors were in favour of black cabs but were voted down by the Tories.

Full council will have to ratify the decision.