More from Hull, which is obviously related to the other stuff.
But do HCAs usually recommend people head for the ranks rather than use flag downs?
Maybe they'll decide to get a PHV instead of hailing an HC
New taxi safety advice in Hull includes taking photos of your cab and not hailing one on the streethttps://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/news/hu ... ll-6363174New taxi marshals are also manning the city's main taxi ranks to ensure everyone gets home safeA campaign to ensure partygoers can safely get a taxi home in Hull is urging people to take pictures of their cab's number plate and head to designated ranks instead of hailing one from the street.
Hull's Hackney Carriage drivers are working with Hull City Council to put measures in place for a safe journey home at the end of people's nights out - including taxi rank marshals.
The marshals will man the city's main taxi ranks to get people into cabs safely and reduce waiting times.
A similar campaign is also being run in the East Riding to prevent people getting into bogus, unlicensed cabs.
It comes after a year where women's safety has been one of the biggest issues on the national agenda outside the Covid-19 pandemic, with the murders of Sarah Everard and Sabrina Nessa reigniting conversation around how safe women feel walking home.
Meanwhile, private hire taxi firms in the city are facing a major shortage of drivers, increasing demand for public cabs.
Peter Nilsson, Chair of Hull Hackney Carriage Association said: "We run this campaign every year – we encourage all customers when they get into a cab to take a picture [of the registration].
"If something happens - or if you've had a few drinks or leave something behind - you've got a photograph to show which taxi you were in.
"We also have taxi marshalls at the three main ranks at the station, Lowgate and Queens Gardens.
"Don't walk the streets trying to flag down taxis – the safest places are at the ranks."
The move has been applauded by anti-male violence against women group Say Her Name Hull.
Organiser Jo Charlton said: "We welcome the new taxi marshals at taxi ranks in Hull city centre, but we need more.
"First and foremost, we need education for men and boys, and criminal convictions to help end male violence. But until we get to that point, we need more safe late-night transport options and safe spaces where women can wait without fear if a taxi is going to take a while to turn up."
Licensing teams from local councils have been issuing advice on getting taxis home safely, including checks your cab has its licence displayed, booking in advance and carrying numbers for trusted firms.
Councillor Kerri Harold, portfolio holder for public health and tackling inequalities at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “The East Riding does have a reputation for being a safe place to be and we want everyone to enjoy themselves and stay safe.
“This year we are asking those waiting for a taxi to be aware of potential bogus vehicles. There are many ways listed above as to how to check on how legitimate a taxi vehicle should be and I would strongly recommend not getting into any vehicle if you have any doubts."
Another risk highlighted by East Riding Council is organising lifts on social media.
"During the festive season, the licensing team receives an increase in reports of bogus vehicles purporting to be legitimate taxi service," a spokesperson said.
"With potentially hundreds of Christmas parties taking place, anyone who travels by taxi should make sure it is a licensed taxi service or private hire car before they make their journey."
Safety advice for getting a taxi home in Hull• Always check your taxi is a legitimate licensed vehicle before getting in – all licensed drivers should have a driver's identity badge issued by the relevant council, which should be prominently displayed at all times
• Carry a telephone number of a trusted, licensed taxi or private hire company
• Don't be tempted to use ‘lifts’ through social media sites, these are usually unlicensed drivers and may be unsafe
• If possible, book a taxi or mini-cab in advance and ask for the name of the driver as well as the make and colour of the car
• Confirm the details with the driver when the vehicle arrives to make sure it's the car you ordered
• Take a picture of its number plate in case you need to verify which taxi you used later on
• 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
• Don't walk home if you've had too much alcohol as this can make you vulnerable or you may have an accident
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