People in East Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire urged to avoid 'bogus' taxi drivers
The council's advising us to only use a licensed service or private hire car
People in East Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire are being urged to be careful when getting into taxis over the festive period.
It’s as during this time the Council sees an increase in the number of reports of bogus vehicles.
We’re being urged to be wary of 'bogus' drivers and to try and pre-book a taxi, and only use legally licensed taxis.
The council has advised people not to seek ‘lifts’ through social media, unless they are sure they are offered by a licensed driver.
They're advising all taxi users to make sure their taxi is a licensed service or private hire car before they set off.
Vehicles from outside the East Riding cannot lawfully collect customers for immediate hire, and doing this may invalidate their insurance and put customers at risk.
Councillor Leo Hammond, Cabinet member for planning, communities and public protection, said:
"It's best to pre-book a taxi so that you've got that safe journey home already.
"But then of course if you don't pre-book then make sure any taxi you use off the street in the East Riding is licensed to the East Riding.
"The East Riding Logo on the sign is an easy indication but also taxi's should display the East Riding of Yorkshire Councils on the registration plate and that's the safest way, the easiest way to identify that that taxi driver is registered to the East Riding."
Anyone with concerns about unlicensed taxis should contact the council’s licensing team - email taxi.hub@eastriding.gov.uk
The council’s licensing team will be providing highly visible taxi marshals who will be working to ensure those celebrating New Year get home safely.
The highly visible licensed marshals will operate in Beverley Saturday Market on New Year’s Eve from 10pm until 2am. They are to help ensure people leave the town centres safely, make sure there are orderly queues and making sure people are getting into a licensed vehicle.
Councillor Leo Hammond added:
“Over recent years, the taxi marshals have offered a very useful service for our residents, and helped keep people safe. I am delighted that they will be back again this year, and I urge our revellers to make use of them.”