THE dangers of getting into an unlicensed taxi are being highlighted by Wealden District Council as part of a seasonal campaign to keep Christmas revellers safe.
As festive celebrations get into full swing, residents are warned to steer clear of taxi or private hire car drivers who do not carry identity badges, or vehicles that don’t have a taxi licence plate.
“Make sure you or your family are safe when paying for a ride home,” said Councillor Claire Dowling, Cabinet member for Public Health & Community Safety at Wealden District Council. “With an unlicensed taxi you could find yourself out late at night in a vehicle that is not roadworthy or properly insured, with an unknown driver who is not registered with the local authority.
“Don’t take chances. The message is simple: no badge, no plate = no ride.”
Two types of licensed taxi operate in Wealden; Hackney Carriages which can wait on taxi ranks or be hailed in the street, and Private Hire vehicles which must be booked in advance. The licences for both types of vehicle must be renewed every year, with full mechanical inspections (the equivalent of an MOT) being carried out every six months.
Hackney Carriages can be identified by a white roof light, and display a white licence plate on the rear of the vehicle, with the licence number repeated on white signs attached to both rear doors.
Private Hire Vehicles carry a yellow licence plate on the rear of the vehicle and corresponding yellow signs on the rear doors. Rear licence plates carry the vehicle type, license number and the number of passengers the vehicle is permitted to carry.
It is very important that a licensed vehicle should only ever be driven by a licensed driver. The identification badge they are required to display carries a photo and is your proof that this driver has undergone a criminal record check and rigorous medical before being issued with a licence.
