CAB drivers are up in arms over plans to make them wear clip-on ties.

They are flocking to sign a petition against an agreement between Station Taxis, in York, and GNER, which runs the city's station.

Both parties hoped a seven-year wrangle over an enforced smart dress code had been resolved after it was agreed cabbies could wear clip-on ties as well as smart shirts, tailored trousers and black dress shoes in winter.

But many drivers are still opposed to wearing any kind of tie, fearing they could be grabbed by rowdy customers.

Cabbie Ernie Wheldon said of about 100 drivers working for the firm, 70 had signed the petition.

He said night drivers were willing to boycott the rank inside the station over the issue, as cabmen did in 1997 before GNER backed down.

Mr Wheldon said: "We don't object to the uniform, we just don't want to wear a tie.

"We think a clip-on and an original tie is the same thing. It could still be grabbed by violent passengers."

Ian Gillies, secretary of Station Taxis, said he was aware of the petition but stressed the aim of the dress code was to boost pride in York as a tourist city.

He said: "I've negotiated with GNER on behalf of Station Taxis and I hope the drivers see the benefits in wearing an approved uniform."