The city council said its taxi licensing section is receiving increasing numbers of complaints about drivers not using hands-free kits.

It is proposing to take action against cabbies licences if both written and verbal warnings are ignored.

A council report said while some complaints came from other drivers, many were from customers themselves.

A report for the taxi licensing and appeals committee said: "On the first occasion when a complaint of using a mobile phone whilst driving is received, the licensed driver will receive a written warning.

"On receipt of a second complaint, the driver will be requested to attend for an interview with licensing officers, where a verbal and a second written warning will be issued.

"If a third complaint is received against the driver, the matter will be referred to taxi licensing sub-committee, with a view to action being taken against their licence."