People are being urged to take extra care when using taxis and to only travel in licensed vehicles.
Hartlepool Borough Council has issued advice amid concern over unlicensed drivers picking up passengers, particularly over the busy festive period.
It is also supporting the “No Excuse for Abuse” campaign and is urging people to always treat taxi drivers with courtesy and respect.
Councillor Martin Dunbar, Chair of the Licensing Committee, said: “We license taxis so the public can have confidence that their safety is assured. All taxi drivers are vetted and vehicles regularly inspected.
“Using an unlicensed vehicle means there are no such checks. The integrity or intentions of the driver cannot be guaranteed, and any vehicle would almost certainly not be correctly insured.”
The Council has issued the following advice to help people be sure that a taxi is properly licensed:
- When flagging down a taxi it must be yellow in colour and clearly marked with a licence number. All drivers must carry an identity badge bearing the Council’s logo.
- If a taxi hasn’t been pre-booked, use an approved rank - there are many of these across the town centre.
- When booking, ensure it is with a reputable licensed operator. The vehicle does not have to be yellow but must still be clearly marked with its licence number and a plate bearing details of the licence. The driver must have an identity badge bearing the Council’s logo.
- Hackney carriages (yellow taxis) should have their tariff sheet clearly displayed within the vehicle.
Information about unlicensed taxi drivers can be passed to the Council by emailing licensing@hartlepool.gov.uk or calling (01429) 523354.
The Council acknowledges that the vast majority of taxi customers are well behaved but says that a minority have no qualms about being abusive, especially when they have been drinking.
Councillor Dunbar added: “It is unacceptable that any driver should be put in fear for his or her safety when they are doing their job and that is why we are supporting the No Excuse for Abuse campaign.
“It is important that people know that violence and abusive and threatening behaviour will not be tolerated. During the festive period, the job is even more challenging as there are many more passengers and some are adversely affected by alcohol. Please treat taxi drivers with respect and courtesy at all times.”
Drivers are being encouraged to report any violence, verbal abuse, racial incidents and vehicle damage to the police.