TAXI drivers are threatening to go to the European Court of Human Rights for the freedom to choose the colour of their cabs.

In a letter to Medway Council, the Medway Taxi Drivers group objected to a scheme proposing all cabs should be white with council logos on the side.

The letter said taxi drivers had been put under duress by the council and were having to work longer and longer hours. And having to fork out for white cars at their own expense is the final straw, according to group spokesman Ralph Jouxson.

The letter read: "Some of the taxi drivers of the Medway towns are looking into the possibility of taking Medway Council to the Court of Human Rights under the freedom of choice act. We understand that the council wants us to display the council logo on our door signs.

"To advertise on our taxis we would require payment. If they were to advertise on a bus or in the local paper they would have to pay for this service."

Mr Jouxson said: "About 20 taxi drivers sat down and wrote the letter and we feel we have the support of 90 per cent of drivers in Medway. We are very serious about taking them to court and I've already spoken to a barrister.

"We want a meeting with the council so we can sort this out. These drives have got mortgages and cars to pay for and they are struggling to make a living. These proposals will only make it more difficult.

But John Reilly, committee member for Vokes Taxis, said he wasn't against the council proposals - he just wants drivers to be given a bit more leeway.

He said: "I'm proud to live in Medway and if having uniform taxis and a the logo on the side helps the area get city status then I'm all for it. But white cars are very difficult to get hold of these days.

"What's going to happen is taxi drivers will hold on to their vehicles longer than they want to, because they can't afford to make the change or find a white replacement. I think the council should give us a bit more leeway and allow silver cars too."

A spokesman for Medway Council said: "Members decided in the summer last year that a uniform fleet of vehicles would make it easier for people to recognise which vehicles were taxis in Medway.

"The decision followed a review of taxi vehicle specifications, which included consultation with the taxi drivers."

New drivers had to comply immediately, but owners of existing taxis only have to change colours when they change vehicles. However, all taxi drivers must have complied by November 2005.