CHESTER

COUNCIL chiefs and Cheshire Police have worked together to ensure that licensed taxis and private hire vehicles are being driven by properly licensed drivers during the festive season.

Held over three nights, the police, assisted by Cheshire West and Chester Council’s licensing officers, stopped more than 80 vehicles to check drivers’ credentials and no problems were found.

Licensed hackney cabs can be hired immediately from a rank or by hailing in the street, while private hire vehicles must be booked through a licensed office.

Licensed vehicles are safe because they are tested to a higher standard than private cars and the drivers have medical and criminal record checks as well as undertaking training before a licence will be issued.

Cllr Lynn Riley, executive member for localities, said: “The party season is well underway, so people are likely to be using taxis and private hire cars more frequently. If you use a licensed vehicle, you have the reassurance that vehicles and the drivers will have undergone a variety of checks.”

Sgt Andy Burrage from Cheshire Police said: “This was a highly successful operation, which was well received by both members of the public and drivers. In excess of 80 vehicles were stopped and no problems were found.”

It is the responsibility of Cheshire West and Chester Council to license taxis, private hire vehicles and drivers. Do not use a vehicle if:

There are no plates on the vehicle

The driver is asking you if you want a taxi or a lift home

The driver cannot identify himself or the picture on the badge does not match the driver.

The driver appears to be under the influence of alcohol.

The vehicle is in a state of disrepair.

You are uneasy for any reason.

If you are suspicious that a vehicle is acting as an unlicensed taxi or private hire vehicle, take down the registration number and contact the Police on 101.

http://www.chesterfirst.co.uk/news/142408/police-step-up-festive-spot-checks-on-licensed-taxi-drivers.aspx?