Black cab taxi drivers are to be asked to go on training courses as part of a permit scheme launched by Liverpool John Lennon Airport.

The airport is to charge cab drivers an annual fee - the equivalent of £6.85 a day - to pick up and drop off passengers and will restrict the number of permits to ensure that there is sufficient demand. Taxi drivers will also be asked to spend a day-and-a-half on two courses that will offer advice on being good ambassadors ahead of Liverpool's European Capital of Culture year in 2008.

In a statement, Liverpool John Lennon Airport said it was one of the few remaining UK airports not to charge black cabs for the use of its taxi rank and that the fees would be similar to other locations such as train stations and ferry ports.

The move comes at the same time as the announcement that Liverpool John Lennon will be the official airport for the Capital of Culture celebrations. During that year, the airport facilities will be used to promote the city's plans to more than five million passengers.
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