A council has issued a reminder to people to not use unlicensed taxis or flag down private hire vehicles.

Ribble Valley Borough Council issued the advice following a joint operation with the police and the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency where spot checks were carried out against taxis.

Six vehicles were inspected in Clitheroe on Thursday (November 16) and all were found to be of the standard required, with no prohibition notices being issued.

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The council’s taxi enforcement officer, Carl Rung, said: “Maintaining a high standard of vehicles is something we take seriously, and we carry out regular checks to ensure taxis and their drivers are meeting licensing requirements.

“This was a joint operation, where vehicles were subject to a rigorous inspection to ensure they were compliant with license conditions. It is reassuring for the public that, in this instance, all vehicles checked were found to be fully compliant.”

The council has issued the following tips to help taxi users have a safe journey:

  • ‘Yellow plate’ private hire vehicles must be pre-booked. Only ‘blue plate’ Hackney carriages can be flagged down or hired from a taxi rank and it is illegal for private hire vehicles to pick up passengers in the street, unless they are pre-booked
  • Check drivers are wearing identification badges that have not expired
  • Check the identity of drivers against photographs on identification badges
  • Don’t give personal details to drivers
  • Agree private hire fees in advance. Metered Hackney cab fares are set by the council

 

The council’s register of licensed operators, vehicles, and drivers, featuring the names of taxi license holders, along with license numbers, issue and expiry dates, and license terms, is available on their website.

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Members of the public can use the register to ensure drivers and vehicles are licensed, which means they will be safe, comfortable, and roadworthy, and that drivers have a reasonable knowledge of the area, are medically fit and free from serious convictions.

Anyone who suspects a taxi firm of operating without a license or a driver of driving without a license, or using an unlicensed vehicle, should contact the council’s licensing team on 01200 414411.