UK: Court case threatens women-only cab firm

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'Its lurid pink cars and women drivers were launched to provide a safe and hassle-free service for women of all ages worried about getting into taxis driven by men.

But the women-only cab company Pink Ladies is being threatened with closure after its founders were taken to court this week by Warrington council in Cheshire and charged with operating an unlicensed private hire company.

The Warrington-based firm, which was launched four years ago, said it could close if the council won its case because if they registered under the taxi licensing system, sex discrimination laws would force its drivers to pick up male customers.

"We will fight this all the way to the high court," co-founder Andrea Winders said yesterday. "We are not a taxi service. We are a unique organisation. We do not fit within current legislation, therefore Warrington council has decided to issue court proceedings against us personally."