With the festive period nearly upon us, South Somerset District Council is urging its residents to stay safe this Christmas and book taxis in advance of their evening out.
When the party is over and you need to get home, remember these guidelines about council licensed taxis:
- Hackney Carriage Vehicles have a white sign attached to the rear of the vehicle displaying the vehicle plate number and also have a plate displayed in the front window
- Hackney Carriages can ply for hire from designated taxi ranks and can pick up passengers who flag them down
- Private Hire Vehicles have a yellow sign attached to the rear of the vehicle displaying the vehicle plate number
- Private Hire Vehicles can only be booked in advance through an operator
NEVER get in to a taxi that does not display an appropriate plate at the rear. It is not insured and may not be licensed. Ensure that the driver is displaying a council approved driver’s badge. For your own safety, always take a council licensed vehicle – the driver and vehicle have both been vetted.
Always ensure the meter is used in a hackney carriage. The meter shows the maximum by law that can be charged for the journey from pick up to drop off. Operators are perfectly entitled to charge below this but cannot charge more.
Nigel Marston, Licensing Manager at South Somerset District Council said, “Don’t let a good night out be ruined by an unlicensed taxi. Always book in advance or make sure you have the number of several local taxi firms stored in your mobile phone before going out.
Before getting in a taxi ensure the driver knows the destination and always sit in the back. 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.”
Councillor Peter Seib, portfolio holder for Regulatory and Democratic Services said, “We all worry about people passing themselves off as taxis. Be safe, check the driver’s badge and the vehicle plate if you can. Don’t get ripped-off after your night out. Local firms will often offer you a cheap fixed fare. Make sure the meter is running so you can see how much you saved against the maximum legal fare.”
For more information on taxi licensing or how to stay safe this Christmas, please contact South Somerset District Council on 01935 462462 or[email protected]. You can also go online to our website www.southsomerset.gov.uk and press the ‘contact us online’ button.