edders23 wrote:
NEW Year revellers have be warned to be wary of “bogus” taxi drivers as they celebrate this festive season.
As party-goers enjoy the festivities in Dwyfor and Meirionnydd’s bars and restaurants, or visit friends and family, the last thing on their mind may be how they are going to get home.
However, the Licensing Service is urging people to make sure they used legitimate and licensed taxis.
The main things to bear in mind when taking a taxi ride home are that only Hackney carriage cabs can be hailed in the street (These cars should carry a blue plate on the front and back), private hire cabs should be booked beforehand and display a yellow plate on the front and back, and all licensed drivers should have Gwynedd Council driver’s identity badge.
Residents are urged to check these details before getting into a taxi as an unlicensed car and driver have not been vetted by the council and may not be insured.
Cllr Dafydd Meurig, Gwynedd Council cabinet member with responsibility for Regulatory matters, said: “We want residents to be able to enjoy themselves safely over the festive period.
“Our advice is to make sure the car and driver have all the correct Gwynedd Council licence plates before getting inside.
“Getting into an unlicensed cab is essentially the same as taking a lift from a stranger, people should remember to stay safe especially if they are under the influence of alcohol.
“Bogus drivers may also be undercutting legitimate taxi businesses.”
The council has offered other ‘top tips’ to stay safe when you are out this Christmas including carrying a telephone number of a trusted, licensed taxi company; booking a taxi in advance; ensuring your friends and family have a safe ride home and bearing in mind that sharing a taxi with friends is a good idea.
Anyone concerned regarding any vehicle purporting to be a taxi in Gwynedd, should contact Gwynedd Council’s Licensing Unit on 01766 771000.
top advice on the 4th of January