Police issue warning over unlicensed taxisWADEBRDIGE police are warning people to be wary of an illegal taxi driver operating in the area.
Officers believe the driver may not be insured – and passengers could be putting their lives at risk.
Sergeant Robin Moorcroft said: "We are suspicious that an unlicensed taxi driver is operating in Wadebridge and surrounding villages.
"If they were to have an accident and people on board were injured they are not insured. People are putting their lives in jeopardy.
Risk
"It is particularly vital at this time of year, with the festive party season approaching and the darker evenings, that people prepare a way of getting home.
"Make sure you use reputable companies and do not get into strangers' vehicles.
"Licensed taxis will have a plate on the vehicle, an identification card and usually a lit sign on the roof of the vehicle. Phone and pre-book.
"Most public houses and restaurants have contact numbers for local taxi services. Please be vigilant and put your safety first.
"When you are under the influence of alcohol you could make a rash decision which you could later regret."
Cornwall Council said reports of an unlicensed driver in Wadebridge had been investigated but were proving difficult to verify. A spokeswoman said: "An individual has been contacted and warned about the implications of conducting taxi activities while unlicensed."
Taxi companies already operating in the town said they were annoyed by the situation. A spokesman said: "We all have a good reputation and have worked hard to build up our trade.
"We recently got a taxi rank for the town and are truly disappointed that someone would knowingly put people's lives at risk for the sake of a few pounds.
"The taxi companies that are operating in the town pay a lot of money to have a licence but then we know we are operating safe vehicles. Please make sure that any vehicle you get into has the Hackney badge on the car and that the driver has the correct identification."
Anyone with information about unlicensed taxis can contact Cornwall Council's Steve Hobden on 01208 893524.
source: http://www.thisiscornwall.co.uk/Police-issue-warning-unlicensed-taxis/story-13929577-detail/story.html