ANGRY cabbies serving York rail station are flocking to sign a petition against plans to make them wear clip-on ties.

The Evening Press reported yesterday how a deal had been struck between Station Taxis and GNER over an enforced smart dress code.

Both parties hoped a seven-year wrangle over uniform had been resolved after it was agreed cabbies could wear clip-on ties as well as smart shirts, tailored trousers and black dress shoes in winter.

But it has emerged that many drivers are still opposed to wearing any kind of tie, fearing they could be used to strangle them.

Station Taxis driver Ernie Wheldon said 70 out of a total of about 100 drivers working for the firm had added their names to the petition.

He said night drivers were willing to boycott the rank inside the station over the issue, as cabmen did in 1997 before GNER backed down.

Mr Wheldon said: "We don't object to the uniform - we just don't want to wear a tie.

"We think a clip-on and an original tie is the same thing. It could still be grabbed by violent passengers."

He said the majority of drivers were not involved in voting on the compromise deal. Drivers were now being "blackmailed", he said, and being forced to accept the deal by signing a form today or leave the station rank.

Ian Gillies, secretary of Station Taxis, said he was aware of the petition.

He stressed the aim of the smart dress code was to boost pride in York as a tourist city.

He said: "I've negotiated with GNER on behalf of Station Taxis and I hope the drivers see the benefits in wearing an approved uniform. Drivers who do not want to wear it have other options."

Updated: 10:55 Tuesday, April 06, 2004