Unlicensed taxi warning for Christmas revellers

Stratford-on-Avon District Council together with Warwickshire Police are issuing a warning in the run up to the festive season about the risks of using unlicensed taxis.

Queues at the taxi ranks may tempt people to flag down an unlicensed vehicle or to use one that is illegally plying for hire.  The District Council is warning that it is illegal and exposes passengers to extraordinary risks as the vehicle may well be unroadworthy, unsafe and uninsured and the driver will not have been vetted.

The District Council is responsible for licensing Taxis and Private Hire vehicles in the District.  Drivers of both these types of vehicles must wear and clearly display an identification badge and are subject to stringent checks*.  They must also display the Council's identification plates on the front and rear of the cars.  These plates hold the vehicle details and date of expiry of the license and are easy to read.

Michelle Baird, Licensing Manager at the District Council says: "If you use an unlicensed taxi, you have no way of knowing if the car you are travelling in is mechanically sound or whether the driver is a safe person to be with.  The driver may not even have a valid driving licence and it will certainly not have the necessary insurance.  This may not be an immediate cause for concern to the passenger, but it could have serious repercussions in the event of an accident". 

Inspector Warren Ayers says: "In recent weeks Warwickshire Police has received reports of unlicensed vehicles operating in the Stratford area.

"In addition to being illegal this also raises public safety concerns. In the run up to Christmas and with an increase in nights out, plus the extra emphasis on not drinking and driving, Warwickshire Police would like to remind anyone who requires use of a taxi to ensure that it is genuine and licensed, to protect themselves from harm during the festive season.

"Officers will stop and question the driver of any unlicensed vehicle which they suspect to be plying for trade.  If found not to be insured for the purpose of its current use, we will use our police powers to recover the vehicle."

Official licensed drivers and vehicles have many hurdles to overcome before they can become licensed and are a group of professional people who offer a quality service, which is as safe and secure as it can be.

If you have any information that may lead to identifying an unofficial taxi, please bring this to the attention of the police or the Council's Licensing Team on 01789 267575.

*Enhanced Criminal Records Bureau check