A NEW scheme to improve safety for taxi drivers and passengers in Burnley has been launched by the police and the council.

Operation Faresafe takes to the road in time for the festive season and involves the police working with the council and local taxi firms.

It will include carrying out licence checks to ensure that taxis are working within the law and also working with local pubs and clubs to ensure their customers know where and how they can get a cab home safely through displaying numbers for local taxi firms.

Burnley town centre sergeant Andy Moore said: "As part of Operation Faresafe we will require private hire drivers to make sure that before they take a fare, the customer has booked the vehicle either by phone or by visiting the booking office.

"This means that the driver will know exactly where he is going and with whom and the passenger will know that the vehicle they are travelling in is licensed and insured."

Private hire drivers are now allowed to tout for business and passengers who use them without prior booking by phone or by calling in the office are not covered by insurance.

Sgt Moore said they would also be making sure that the hackney carriages used the designated ranks.

That way the police will know where the taxis are and can keep a closer eye on driver safety and the public will know where to find a reputable taxi.

He added: "We want taxi drivers to feel safe. Any offences committed against them will be investigated thoroughly and offenders will be banned from licensed premises and taxi firms as part of the Burnley Against Night-time Disorder scheme.

"We are committed to reducing crime in Burnley and are using a wide range of tactics to achieve that.

"Operation Faresafe is just one of a number of police initiatives designed to help ensure that our local communities feel safe, involved and reassured."

Charles Bullas, Burnley Council executive member for public protection and community safety, said: "The council welcomes and fully supports this joint initiative with the police. It is a further example of the two working together to improve public safety."