Police investigate use of unlicensed, illegal taxis in Derbyshire town
Posters are being displayed to raise awareness
Young adults are being warned of the dangers of getting into unlicensed taxis after a number of incidents were reported to police.
Police are investigating and Amber Valley Borough Council has launched an awareness drive following reports of the illegal vehicles being used in and around Ripley.
The new campaign aims to teach people of the signs and crucial steps they need to take to ensure the taxi they are getting in is genuine.
The council has received eight complaints from members of the public and genuine taxi drivers about unlicensed vehicles in recent weeks. These reports have then been passed to the police.
Several campaign posters are being displayed in and around Ripley town centre including late night bars and clubs.
The posters encourage taxi users to be aware of the dangers of getting into a car with an unlicensed driver.
One of the posters warns: "If your taxi is not licensed it's just a stranger's car".
The message is accompanied by an image of an 'illegal' driver looking suspiciously at his passenger via his rear-view mirror.
All licensed vehicles display a plate at the rear of the vehicle giving a personal licence number and the driver of the vehicle will also wear an ID badge showing his or her photograph - confirming he or she has passed necessary background checks.
Councillor Jane Orton, responsible for community safety at Amber Valley Borough Council, said: “We are very concerned for the safety of young people who are using unlicensed taxis.
"We would also urge parents to check on how their sons and daughters are getting home and to help us pass on the safety-first message.
"Young people can be particularly vulnerable after a night out and so it is very important they make the right choices when deciding how they will get home.”
