THE row over York cabbies wearing clip-on ties escalated today when some drivers announced they planned to boycott the rail station over the issue.

The proposed protest by up to 30 night drivers is planned for tomorrow, between 5.30 and 7pm.

Rebel independent drivers - who plan to gather at the Eye of York - hope it will cause maximum disruption during one of station's busiest days, as Easter travellers flock to York.

They vowed to take weekly action if their views were ignored.

But Station Taxis played down the impact and said the majority of its drivers would still be serving the station.

News of a boycott comes after a deal was finally struck between GNER and Station Taxis over an enforced smart dress code. In an effort to boost pride in York, it was agreed cabbies should wear smart suits, tailored trousers and black dress shoes in winter.

Controversial plans for cabmen to wear ties were sidelined after they complained they could be strangled by violent passengers.

However, some cabbies are up in arms over plans for them to wear clip-on ties instead, which they say still represent a danger.

One York cabbie, Andy, said angry night drivers - who collect permits from Station Taxis - were behind the boycott. He said from some 50 self-employed cabs, up to half could be involved in the protest.

Andy, 35, said: "This is purely over the clip-on ties, which can still be pulled around your neck. We're quite happy with the rest of the dress code.

"This is the last option that we have and we plan to do it again if we get no response."

Graham Pitts, chairman of Station Taxis, said he could not comment on action taken by independent drivers, but said the majority of his 60 cars would be working. He predicted that the station could lose about 20 cabs over the 90-minute action.

"It might have a small effect, but we have a contract with GNER to fulfil."

A GNER spokesman questioned whether the boycott was in passengers' interests and said the winter dress code did not come into place until October 1.

He said clip-on ties were not a safety issue. "If somebody pulls one it comes off," he said.

York Police said they were aware of the proposed boycott and action at the Eye of York.

Updated: 10:38 Wednesday, April 07, 2004