why have some private hire cars got black ribbon or black cloth hanging from the rear towing eye?

Question

it seems to be asian drivers & mostly in leeds

Answer 1

There is a superstition that when something is new, tying a small piece of black cloth to it will ward off damage or "the evil eye" by making it look less perfect. Supposedly, it tricks the spirits into believing you've already had a bit of bad luck with your car so they'll leave you alone.