TAXIS and cabs WILL be flying the flag for England during the World Cup after York council bosses gave them the go ahead to unfurl the Cross of St George on their vehicles.

City of York Council has confirmed it will not prevent hackney carriages and private hire cabs getting involved in the football festival by showing patriotic pride - as long as they don't impede safety.

The move is in stark contrast to bosses at Cheltenham Council who have banned taxi and cab drivers from displaying St George's flags - ruling they are too dangerous.

That decision applies to 500 drivers in the town, who face fines and having their licences revoked if they refuse to toe the line.

In York, a council spokeswoman said the key issue for the authority was safety - with any problematic flags being dealt with on an individual basis.

"The council will not prevent hackney carriages or private hire operators displaying a flag to celebrate the World Cup," she said.

"However, our primary concern is the safety of passengers and road users and if the flag interfered with or impeded safety, we would deal with the issue on an individual basis."

Cabbie Barry Hamer said he would be proudly sporting a St George's Flag come the World Cup. "This is good news. I didn't see any reason why we couldn't fly the flag and I am going to be displaying one for all to see."

Updated: 08:55 Thursday, May 25, 2006