BOGUS cab drivers may to cash in on festive revellers in the run-up to the party season.

Blackburn with Darwen and Chorley Borough Councils have issued the timely reminder to make sure party-goers are not ripped off by unlicensed drivers.

The councils are urging everybody who uses a cab over Christmas to make sure it is a bona-fide Hackney carriage or private hire car.

Chorley Council's licensing committee chairman Coun Ralph Snape said: "Christmas and New Year are often times when bogus operators take advantage and we just want to remind local taxi users of what to look out for and what kind of service they can expect from licensed vehicles."

A spokesman for Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council added: "We would endorse everything Chorley is doing and would urge people to take care when using taxis."

Police echoed the concerns and urged people to make sure taxis they were using were genuine. Chief Inspector Andy Pratt, of Lancashire's Community Safety team, said: "We would urge everybody, especially people on their own, to check the plate on the rear of cabs or the photo ID of the driver, especially in the early hours of the morning."

There are currently 29 Hackney carriages licensed by Chorley Council, all painted white, with the exception of one wheelchair accessible black cab. They all display a green plate and have taxi signs on the roof.

There are also about 100 private hire vehicles all showing a yellow plate on the rear.

Coun Snape added: "As far as Hackney carriages are concerned the council sets the fares and these must be displayed inside the vehicle. No additional fare can be charged.

"Private hire operators are allowed to set their own fares, but we would advise travellers to check with the operator what the fare is likely to be."

Anybody with queries or complaints about taxi transport should call Chorley Borough Council's Licensing Unit on 01257 515163/515164.