Pendle licensing officers urging revellers not use unlicenced taxis (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Pendle licensing officers urging revellers not use unlicenced taxis

1:26pm Tuesday 18th December 2012 in Pendle

PENDLE Council’s taxi licensing officers are again urging revellers over the festive period not to risk their safety by using taxis or private hire vehicles that are unlicensed.

Such vehicles will not be insured to carry paying passengers and, because they have not been examined by the council, there are no assurances of their safety or roadworthiness.

Licensed drivers carry an identity badge with Pendle Council’s logo, the driver’s photograph and number.

The licence plates display the council logo, the unique licence identification number of the vehicle, registration number and vehicle details.

Taxi licensing bosses urged people to not get into any vehicle that is parked on the street (other than a taxi parked on a taxi rank) or is parked outside a pub.

Coun Pauline McCormick, chairman of the taxi licensing committee, said: “Taxi drivers are there to get you home safely, and Lancashire Police have asked that you respect the driver.

“Any person who is identified or suspected of assaulting, being racially abusive or causing damage to a driver or vehicle will be prosecuted.”