ANGRY cabbies took to the streets of York to demonstrate against moves by rail company GNER to smarten them up.

More than 20 York taxi drivers boycotted York Station last night in protest at being told they had to wear ties, white shirts and dress shoes.

The drivers gathered at the Eye of York saying wearing ties put them at risk of violent attacks by rowdy drinkers.

Eddy Thomspon, who has been a taxi driver for more than 30 years, said he regularly faces trouble. He said: "You are a risk of being attacked. You are by yourself. It is not like being a policeman who has back up."

Andy Brickett, a driver of seven years, said: "If you get blokes in your car they can grab hold of your tie and strangle you."

GNER has demanded the code, which involves drivers wanting to renew their station rank permits having to wear white or blue shirts, dark tie, tailored trousers and black dress shoes.

Station Taxis, which issues the permits, has agreed the move with GNER.

It was hoped the dispute had been resolved after cabbies were told they could wear clip on ties, but they claim this still puts them in danger.

The protesting drivers last night said sticking to the dress code was also uncomfortable and impractical.

Graham Pitts, the chairman of Station Taxis, said the protest had very little effect on people waiting at York Station. He said: "It was no different to a normal Thursday at tea time."

Updated: 10:16 Friday, April 09, 2004