NEW regulations could put many taxi drivers out of business, protesters claim. Around 70 taxi drivers protested at Newport Civic Centre yesterday morning to hand in a 300 name petition against planned age limits on taxi cars.

At full council cabinet member for environment and community safety David Fouweather agreed to extend consultation on the plans from October to December 31st.

In a letter to drivers, Newport City Council proposed that any private hire vehicle should be no older than six years and hackney carriage cars no older than ten from August 1 2010.

Newly licensed cars must be brand new if private hire, or younger than three years if a hackney carriage from August 2009.

The letter says the conditions would improve the quality of the cars in view of the 2010 Ryder Cup.

At a packed Llanwern Sports & Social Club on Monday evening taxi operators and drivers came out united against the plans.

They said they would struggle to get the finance for new vehicles, and taxis already needed three MOTs a year.

Dennis Griffiths, who owns Servu in Mill Street, says all of the cars he owns in his business would have to come off the road.

He said: "It's impossible. I would have to buy 18 brand new cars."

Private hire driver Steve Chandler, who sits on the Dragon Drivers Sick & Benevolent Fund committee, said representatives of the drivers hope to meet the Newport licensing committee members in the next few weeks.

A council spokesman said it is important all taxis licensed by the council are fit for purpose and are identifiable, reliable and safe.

He added that the age range of taxis in Newport is increasing and that such vehicles are more likely to require frequent maintenance to ensure they are roadworthy.