BLACK cab drivers could bring in extra cash after councillors approved plans to allow advertising on their vehicles.

But taxis will be banned from selling space for adverts that promote tobacco, alcohol, gambling or politics. Saucy adverts will also be banned.

Hyndburn Council's cabinet have passed a report suggesting a change to the Hackney carriage conditions bye-laws so that cab drivers could boost their income by selling adverts.

The decision comes following a request more than a year ago from a group of taxi drivers who wanted to place adverts on their doors - but were prevented from doing so because of council policy.

The plans, similar to those already operating in other parts of Lancashire, have already been approved by the borough's taxi liaison group.

Adverts will only be allowed on the traditional purpose built London-style black cabs as the vehicles will still be instantly recognisable as a taxi.

They will not be allowed on people carriers, saloon cars or any private hire taxis.

Coun Brian Roberts said: "A licensed Hackney cab is distinguishable by its shape and the adverts won't take away from that.

"If we allowed them on private cars it would make it harder for vulnerable people to know what they were getting in to."

Details of the proposed adverts must be submitted to th council's licensing section for approval before they are put on the cab.

The move was criticised by independent councillor Malcolm Pritchard, of Church and Milnshaw ward.

He said: "I think it's disgusting. It will spoil the look of the taxis and if we allow Hackney cabs to do it then private cars will want to do it too."

But council leader Peter Britcliffe hit back: "We would be wrong not to encourage this sort of enterprise.

"The scheme will be reviewed after 12 months."

The council will also be starting a consultation about the possibility of a new taxi stand in Abbey Street as ranks outside places such as Lar-de-dars in Eagle Street are becoming redundant with the closure of some of the town's nightlife spots.