HARD-up cabbies in Clacton are pleading for the green light to put adverts on their taxis to drum up extra cash.

Tendring District Taxi Association has asked council licensing bosses to allow door advertising on all taxis and private hire vehicles licensed in the district.

The association says the move will boost income for drivers as well as help promote local businesses.

The council’s current policy bans advertising, but the move has been backed by the council’s tourism and marketing team, the town centre co-ordinator and the chairman of Clacton Town Centre Partnership.

Taxi driver Colin Bennett said: “We in the trade are in dire financial straits.

“I would like to propose advertising on our cab doors as a way to supplement our income.

“Advertising would be in good taste, with nothing untoward or offensive, for companies like everyday electrical stores and clothing shops.

“This would give us much needed revenue.

“Other areas allow advertising on taxi doors and I see no harm in it.”

The licensing committee will discuss the proposals before making a decision.