n warning Clr David Sheard and the St George Square taxi rank
CHRISTMAS revellers in Huddersfield are being warned to watch out for rogue cabbies.
Council licensing officials have warned people to ensure they use only official taxis while out partying.
'Travel Safe Tonight' is the message behind a joint drive by Kirklees Council, West Yorkshire Police and Victim Support.
Posters will be displayed inside clubs, pubs and council buildings stressing the need for taxi customers to make sure they use a licensed taxi or pre-book a private hire vehicle.
Clr David Sheard, who chairs the Licensing Committee, said the Christmas period was one where people needed to be extra vigilant and beware of unlicensed taxis.
"It is a time of year when tens of thousands of people will be using taxis.
"Many of them will be people who may not be regular taxi users.
"We have two types of taxis in Kirklees. The public Hackney Carriage are those that people can hail in the street, and private hire vehicles are cars which people have to book in advance.
"All licensed drivers should be wearing their identity badge.
"The Hackney Carriage taxis are easily identifiable - being white with the roof 'TAXI' sign.
"That is not the case with private hire, although they are also easily identifiable by having the fact they are private hire vehicles clearly marked on the two front doors of their vehicles, and stating advanced bookings only.
"The working relationship we have with the taxi trade is excellent.
"Unlicensed taxis give them a bad name, as well as compromising the safety of passengers.
"They are not operating illegally.
"They will not be insured to carry fare-paying passengers, and will not have been examined by the council to check their roadworthiness."
