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Minicab firms in Birmingham which run poor quality cars with rude drivers will be named and shamed under a new inspection scheme being drawn up by city licensing chiefs.

Under the proposed rating system, the firms could be given a ranking from platinum, for the very best, through gold, silver, bronze down to unrated for the poorest companies.

Companies will get top marks for running a fleet of clean, reliable and safe cars, with smart, well-trained drivers.

Private hire companies whose drivers break the rules, such as by plying for hire or running cars in poor condition, will be penalised on the public rating system.

A similar rating scheme for restaurants has proved popular with consumers.

Chairman of the licensing committee Barbara Dring (Lab Oscott) said: "The decision to look at introducing a quality ratings system for private hire operators in Birmingham will, I believe, help drive up standards across a range of issues including vehicle checks, disabled access and drivers' conduct.

"For some time our 'H for Hygiene' scheme, which regularly inspects food businesses across the city, has ensured that most operate to a good standard, and where they fall below satisfactory standards officers are able to offer advice.

"It is proposed that similar principles are applied to private hire operators."