Some taxi drivers are ignoring the law on late night horn use
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Taxi drivers on Tyneside have been told to get out of their cabs and knock on doors rather than sound their horns to announce themselves late at night.
Following complaints about noise, Gateshead Council has written to private hire operators.
The letter reminds them that horns should only be used as a warning, not to alert customers.
A spokesman for the National Taxi Association said any driver found doing so would be warned about their conduct.
Anneliese Hutchinson, head of regulatory services for Gateshead Council, said: "Unfortunately, we have had numerous complaints from residents about the way some drivers are ignoring the law and simply park in front of a customer's house or a pub and sound their horn to attract their attention.
Looking out
"We are therefore asking taxi operators to speak to their drivers and ensure that this does not happen again."
Chris Chandler, chairman of the National Taxi Drivers Association for the North East, said: "It's down to laziness on behalf of certain drivers who can't be bothered to get out of their cars.
"Any driver doing so would be warned about their conduct and told not to do it again."
He added that customers could help by looking out for their cabs.
"You'd be amazed how many people do just sit and wait and don't even answer the door when drivers do knock."
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