A pair of borough cab firms have become among the first nationwide to gain a licence under new regulations requiring all companies to meet minimum standards.

Wallington Cars and Couriers, based in Wallington Square, was inspected last month by the public carriage office representatives and proved itself eligible for an operators licence.

Fast on its heels was Melville Cars of Throwley Way, Sutton, which also gained the standard, which must be met or applied for by all private hire firms by October 22.

Wallington Cars and Couriers managing director Clive Palmer said: This is great news for the industry. From October, passengers will have a means of checking whether a private hire firm operates with the necessary safeguards.

One of the first to congratulate the firm was Carshalton and Wallington MP Tom Brake.