Don’t put your safety at risk this Christmas and New Year use licensed taxi’s only
Market Rasen area residents are being warned to avoid taking unlicenced taxis and illegal commercial ‘lifts’ offered on social media, particularly over the festive season.
Christmas and New Year revellers are being warned by West Lindsey District Council is warning people that illegal unlicensed rogue drivers will not have undergone background checks, are unlikely to be insured to carry passengers in their vehicles, which could be in a dangerous condition, putting lives at risk.
Coun Jim Snee, chair of the Licensing Committee, said: “By taking sensible steps to avoid rogue taxi drivers, everyone will be able to celebrate this festive season safely.
“Bogus cab drivers put earning illegal extra money before people’s safety and so by using an unlicensed vehicle, you are putting your lives in danger.
“Getting into an unlicensed taxi is the equivalent of stepping into a car with a complete stranger, which doesn’t come without real risk. We urge people to book their taxis before heading out and to steer clear of unlicensed taxis or offers of cheap lifts on social media, regardless of how tempting it may be when you just want to get home.”
Kim Enderby, Senior Licensing Officer at West Lindsey District Council, added: “Licensed taxi’s provide an invaluable service not just around Christmas and New Year but 365 days a year. Yet not everyone treats them as the valuable community asset they are.
“Whilst the vast majority of taxi users are polite and well behaved, there are a minority who have no qualms about being abusive to drivers, especially when they have had too much to drink.
“It is important that people know this will not be tolerated. During the festive period, the job is even more challenging as there are many more passengers in town centre’s and some are adversely affected by alcohol.
“Taxi drivers should be always treated with respect and courtesy. Drivers have been advised to report any incidences of violence, verbal abuse, racial incidents and vehicle damage to the police. It is unacceptable that any driver should be put in fear for his or her safety when they are doing their job.”
Safety tips include:
- Always try to ensure that somebody knows where you are going and what time you expect to be home.
- If your plans change, let somebody know.
- Pre-book your taxi and remember to ask the driver who they are waiting for.
- Make sure that your mobile is charged and switched on at all times.
- Always sit behind the driver
- Always check that the driver is wearing appropriate ID - if you can’t see the driver’s ID badge, ask to see it.
Vehicles licensed by the council can be clearly identified by stickers on the body of the vehicle and rear licence plates.
If you know or are aware of one of these rogue drivers you should inform the council, who collaborate closely with the police and CCTV operators to identify these individuals and stop their illegal activity - use the council’s online reporting form.