RESIDENTS are being urged to stay safe this festive season by booking taxis in advance.

Unlicensed taxis are a common problem across the country. With the Christmas party season in full swing, Denbighshire County Council are informing people how to tell an unlicensed taxi from a licensed one.

Cllr Tony Thomas, lead member for Housing, Regulation and the Environment, said: "Unlicensed taxis may seem to offer a better deal but it's not worth risking your safety to save a few pounds.

“These vehicles are not insured as taxis and the drivers have not gone through the rigorous checking involved in the licensing process.

"Licensing officers will be carrying out checks to ensure no unlicensed taxis are operating in the area. Never get in a taxi without first checking that it's the one you have booked or that it's a legitimate Hackney Carriage or Private Hire Vehicle."

The following guidelines about council licensed taxis have been issued:

  • Hackney Carriage Vehicles have a plate attached to the front and rear of the vehicle displaying the vehicle details and licence number;
  • Hackney Carriages can ply for hire from designated taxi ranks and can pick up passengers who flag them down;
  • Private hire vehicles have a blue sign attached to the rear doors of the vehicle showing the licence and a plate at the rear of the vehicle displaying the vehicle details and licence number
  • Finally, private hire vehicles can only be booked in advance through an operator.

Individuals are being warned not to get into a vehicle that does not display an appropriate plate at the rear. It will not be insured and may not be licensed.

Cllr Hugh Irving, chair of Denbighshire’s licensing committee, added: "Make sure that you're picked up and dropped off somewhere familiar and well lit, however if you feel uneasy with the driver ask him to stop at a busy, familiar place and get out."