Stay safe and smart with your taxi this Christmas

This year, make sure you know which taxi or licensed Private Hire vehicle to get into by following this advice:

• Always use a licensed vehicle.

• Hackney Carriage Vehicles can pick up unarranged fares from the street.  They have a taxi roof sign and a white licence plate on the rear bumper. 

• Private hire vehicles are not permitted to pick up from the street without being pre-booked. They have a half-moon door sign on the front two doors which says ‘advanced bookings only’, and a yellow licence plate on the rear bumper. Book by phone, email or in a private hire office.  Never approach or accept a journey from a private hire driver which isn’t pre-booked.

• When your booked vehicle arrives, make sure the driver can confirm your name and destination – check this before you get into the vehicle.

• Always check the driver’s photo ID badge.

• Never risk getting into a private hire vehicle which is not pre-booked.

• Be aware of unlicensed drivers offering lifts through Facebook. Licensed Vehicles and drivers go through thorough checks to make sure that they are safe and roadworthy. There are significant public safety concerns around using unlicensed taxis.

If you’re having a drink, make sure to look after it. However, if you think your drink has been spiked, make sure to get medical help urgently and report the incident by calling 999 or 111.

Councillor Ron Shepherd, portfolio holder for safer and stronger communities, said:

“If you’re heading out this Christmas or New Year, remember to keep yourself safe and always make sure you are getting in a licensed taxi. The public’s safety is always our number one priority, and we want to reiterate how dangerous getting into an unlicensed taxi can be.

“In addition, we ask that you take care of your drinks during the festive period. If you think you or someone you know may have been spiked, make sure to report it immediately.”