East Riding of Yorkshire Council's licensing team are putting plans in place to keep customers and drivers safe and urging festive party-goers to make sure they plan ahead and only use legitimate and licensed taxis.
The licensing team are warning people to keep safe but be wary of bogus taxi drivers as they head out to celebrate over the festive period. In particular this year the Licensing Team would like to warn party goers not be seek transport known as 'lifts' through social media. These are not licensed drivers or vehicles and have not been vetted or checked, do not take this risk!
During the festive season, the licensing team receives an increase in reports of bogus vehicles purporting to be legitimate taxi services. 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.
The licensing team has issued the following important information and advice for people using taxis or private hire vehicles:
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."
Anyone who has any concerns about unlicensed taxis should contact the council's licensing team by emailing taxi.hub@eastriding.gov.uk