Party-goers in the East Riding are being urged to have fun, stay safe and plan their journey home as they enjoy the festive season.
As people enjoy the festivities in local bars, restaurants or visit family and friends, East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s licensing team are asking people to be wary of bogus taxi or private hire drivers.
These are drivers whose vehicles have not been passed as safe by the council and who may not have the right insurance.
At this time of year, the council’s licensing team see an increase in the number of reports of bogus vehicles purporting to be legitimate taxi services but they are putting plans in place to make sure people get home safely.
With potentially hundreds of Christmas parties taking place across the East Riding, anyone who is booking a taxi should check it is a licensed taxi service or private hire care before stepping into the vehicle.
Councillor Jackie Cracknell, said:
“The council wants everyone to have fun and enjoy the festive season but above all, we want people to get home safely but at this time of year, how they are getting home is probably the last thing on their minds.”
“Getting into an unlicensed vehicle is essentially the same as taking a lift from a stranger. People should remember to stay safe especially if they are under the influence of alcohol.”
“The danger to the travelling public is from a small element of unlicensed drivers, who either hold no license or attempt to accept passengers when they are not legally entitled to.”
“We want people to enjoy the festive period and to have a good time, but to do it safely.”
Paul Bellotti, from East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said:
“The working relationship we have with the taxi and private hire trade is very positive and they do a great job, especially late at night, of getting people home safely, often at a time when no other public transport is available.”
“We are working with the taxi trade and our partners to continue to show that the East Riding is a safe place to spend an evening out.”
“The council’s licensing team will also be making random spot checks during the Christmas period and will prosecute those who illegally operate taxis and private hire vehicles.”
If you have any concerns about unlawful taxis email East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s licensing team – licensing@eastriding.gov.uk
The licensing team have issued some tips and advice and taxi marshals will be operating in Bridlington and Beverley to make sure people are getting in licensed vehicles.
TIPS AND ADVICE TO KEEP SAFE THIS CHRISTMAS
The main things to remember when going home in a taxi or private hire vehicle are:
- only Hackney Carriage cabs can be hailed in the street or on a taxi rank and they should carry a plate on the back of the vehicle – East Riding licensed vehicles display white oval door stickers and have a top light saying “TAXI”
- private hire vehicles must always be booked in advance and display a plate on the back of the vehicle – East Riding licensed vehicles have yellow oval stickers on the front passenger doors saying “pre-booked only”
- all licensed drivers should have a driver’s identity badge issued by the relevant council, which should be prominently displayed at all times.
Check these details before getting into a taxi as an unlicensed car and driver have not been vetted by the council and may not be insured.
Other top tips to help you stay safe while out and about over Christmas are:
- carry a telephone number of a trusted, licensed taxi or private hire company
- if possible, book a taxi or mini-cab in advance and ask for the name of the driver, the make and colour of the car
- confirm the details with the driver when the vehicle arrives – is it the car you ordered?
- if you are ordering a taxi from a public place try not to let anyone overhear your name and address
- if you are out with friends, make sure everyone has a way of getting home
- if someone in your group has had too much to drink accompany them to the taxi and make sure it’s a legitimate vehicle – friends should stick together and make sure everyone gets home safely
- do not walk home if you’ve consumed too much alcohol as this can make you vulnerable – ask yourself will you be safe? Are you in control? Have you let someone know what you are doing and where you are going?
