Taxi Driver Online

Warning about unlicenced "taxi" drivers advertising on social media

Christmas revellers are being warned about unlicensed drivers using social media sites to falsely advertise themselves as available for hire.

There were a number of reports last Christmas about individuals offering cut-price taxi services on social network sites such as Facebook.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council's licensing team has offered advice on how party-goers can avoid falling foul of the false 'taxi' drivers.

While it is legal for friends and family members to offer lifts home, people who advertise themselves as taking bookings and take money to get you home, without having the relevant checks and insurance, are breaking the law.

To keep the public safe, licensed taxi drivers need enhanced criminal record checks, regular health checks and have their driving ability tested, as well as have having checks made on their DVLA licence.

Councillor Shaun Horton, portfolio holder for community involvement at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: "We are raising awareness through our Taxi Safe campaign of only using licensed taxis or private hire vehicles over the Christmas and New Year period and also of a new area of concern in how services are being advertised which are attractive to those using social media.

"Many of the unlicensed services being offered through Facebook appear to be from younger drivers looking to make some extra money, meaning they have none of the experience, licences or security checks which are needed.

"We are asking people to think carefully about how they and their loved ones are getting home after a night out this festive period and we want to make them aware of the potential dangers of getting into an unlicenced vehicle.

"The most obvious issue is that passengers may not know the drivers and when they seek lifts, often having consumed alcohol, they could put themselves in a potentially dangerous or vulnerable position.

"As to the drivers, if anyone is thinking about trying to provide a cut-price unofficial taxi service, just stop and ask yourself if it's worth it.

"You could risk your own and your passengers' safety, your car, insurance and even your life for the sake of a few pounds, as well as committing a criminal offence."

Tina Holtby, licensing manager at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: "Public safety is very important to us and we hope people will take on board the advice and make the right decisions when choosing how to get home from a night out."

source: http://www.minsterfm.com/news/local/182 ... ial-media/

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