Stay safe when using taxis this Christmas and New Year
Winchester City Council is supporting a national campaign to highlight the risks of using unlicensed taxis. The campaign, which is run by the Institute of Licensing, is designed to coincide with Christmas and New Year, a time when many people will be using taxis to get home after parties.Licensed taxis and private hire vehicles offer a safe way to travel, but there are concerns that the festive period will see many unlicensed and potentially unsafe drivers taking advantage of the increased demand for taxis.
Before using a taxi, it is important to check that it is properly licensed. A licensed vehicle will normally display a licence plate; these can be on the front or rear of the vehicle and will include the licensing authority details, the licence number, and the vehicle registration number. The driver should also display an identity badge which shows the licence number and licensing authority details.
Licensed vehicles are regularly tested to ensure they meet minimum standards. They are sufficiently insured and drivers are tested for medical and criminal issues before being issued with a licence.
John Myall, Licensing and Registration Manager at Winchester City Council, said: “Before using a taxi in Winchester, remember to make sure that the vehicle and driver have been issued with a licence by Winchester City Council. This denotes that they have satisfied various legal and safety requirements. Never take a risk with an unlicensed vehicle.”
If you have any concerns or any information about an unlicensed vehicle operating as a taxi in the Winchester District, please contact the Licensing Team at Winchester City Council on 01962 848 188 or 01962 848 443.