Taxi drivers are switching to London-style cabs in a bid to boost trade.

The number of traditional-looking TXII taxis on the streets of Worthing has risen from one to seven in the past ten months.

Drivers said their trade has gone through the roof.

Trevor Fenton-Goss, 46, from Worthing, has seen takings increase by a quarter since he swapped to a London-style cab last month.

He said: "The customers love it. It is the image. London taxis are part of the fabric of Britain and everybody recognises them."

The TXII taxis are made by LTI vehicles.

Sales and marketing director Matthew Cheyne said: "The traditional black cab has become iconic. They see the familiar and reassuring shape and will walk past other vehciles to get to it."

Tuesday, August 9, 2005