STAY SAFE THIS FESTIVE SEASON: A taxi guide from North East Lincolnshire Council
Updated: 8 hours ago
As the festive season approaches, North East Lincolnshire Council is urging revellers to prioritise their safety when using taxis and private hire vehicles. With Christmas parties and New Year’s celebrations often involving a few drinks, knowing how to choose the right transport home is vital.
The council emphasises the importance of using licensed vehicles. Hackney Carriage taxis, identifiable in the region by their roof sign and white licence plate on the rear bumper, are legally allowed to pick up passengers without a booking.
Private hire vehicles, however, operate under stricter rules. These cars display a yellow rear licence plate and a “pre-booked only” half-moon door sign on the front doors. They must be booked in advance through a phone call, email, or an official booking office. Accepting a journey from a private hire driver without a booking is both unsafe and illegal.
Passengers are advised to verify the driver’s identity and destination before entering any vehicle. Always check the driver’s photo ID badge and confirm your booking details to ensure you are in the correct car.
The council also warns against using unlicensed taxis, including those advertised through platforms like Facebook. Unlike licensed vehicles and drivers, unlicensed operators are not subject to the strict safety and roadworthiness checks required by law.
Councillor Ron Shepherd, responsible for safer and stronger communities, highlighted the risks: “If you’re heading out this Christmas or New Year, remember to keep yourself safe and always make sure you are getting in a licensed taxi. The public’s safety is always our number one priority, and we want to reiterate how dangerous getting into an unlicensed taxi can be.
“In addition, we ask that you take care of your drinks during the festive period. If you think you or someone you know may have been spiked, make sure to report it immediately.”
