Taxi Driver Online

Councils warn revellers to stay taxi safe this New Year


LGA press release 31 December 2014

Revellers are being warned to stay safe and only use licensed taxis when heading out to celebrate New Year's Eve

This time of year always sees a rise in the number of people using taxis at the end of an evening out and the Local Government Association is advising people to remember some simple safety tips to avoid being targeted by rogue operators.

Anyone using an illegal unlicensed taxi runs the risk of being ripped-off, travelling in a vehicle which is not roadworthy and being uninsured if they are involved in an accident.

Many councils are running taxi marshal schemes to help crackdown on rogue operators and ensure people get home safely after a night out.

The LGA is also calling on people to also remember these simple tips:

• Always book in advance or make sure you have the number of several local taxi firms stored in your phone before going out.

• Only ever flag down licensed hackney carriages and ensure the meter is being used.

• Make sure the vehicle is properly licensed by checking the rear licence plate and door stickers before getting into the vehicle. The plate also shows the maximum number of passengers the vehicle is allowed to carry.

• Check the driver is properly licensed. Licensed drivers will be happy to show their identification badge.

• Do not get into any vehicle that is parked on the street (other than a taxi parked on a taxi rank) or is parked outside a pub.

Cllr Tony Page, LGA licensing spokesman, said:

"New Year's Eve brings with it an increased number of party-goers using taxis after celebrating their night out but also a rise in opportunistic rogue operators looking to illegally pick up fares at such a busy time.

"These drivers will not have passed a local knowledge test, criminal record check or regular medical examinations carried out by the local council and their vehicles will not have been tested to make sure they are roadworthy.

"Those taking a taxi or private hire vehicle should look out for the licence plate on the rear of the vehicle and for the driver's identification badge. These are an assurance that the car and driver are properly licensed to carry the public.

"Many councils are running taxi marshal services to keep people safe during this year's party season. We would urge everyone to also remain alert to the risks to make sure they get home safely and don't have a night out ruined by a rogue taxi driver."

- See more at: http://www.local.gov.uk/web/guest/media ... nxmyo.dpuf

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Think of how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that.
George Carlin

Good advice to the many million members of the public visiting the LGA website