Manchester Licensing

It has become apparent over the last few days that the Christmas market
stalls this year have been constructed over the roadway in Albert Square and has made the usual rank inaccessible.

This should have been picked up during the planning stages of the market but was missed, we apologise for this oversight.

It has now been agreed that for the duration of the Christmas Markets and with immediate effect  a temporary rank will be located adjacent to the Market on the highway on the south side of Albert Square.

The area that is to be used can be identified as barriers are already in
place.  The barriers will segregate the temporary rank from other traffic.

Drivers approaching Albert Square along Mount Street who wish to join the rank should enter the highway on Albert Square enclosed by the red and white barriers and drive to the end of the corridor created by these barriers.

When the rank is full, there appears to be sufficient space for drivers to
wait on Mount Street for a space to become available. Drivers are asked to exercise common sense when using this rank and when waiting to access it, when it is full, in particular:

* The highway in front of the access barrier to the Market adjacent to
Lloyd Street, access gate to the Town Hall compound on Lloyd Street and the Pedestrian crossing at the junction of Mount Street and Lloyd Street  must be kept clear at all times. No parking or waiting is permitted in this area
at any time .

* The highway in front of the yellow coloured access barrier to the market
outside the Slug and Lettuce must also be kept clear at all times.  No
parking or waiting is permitted in this area at any time.

* The temporary rank will be operational  from 11-00hrs until 06-00hrs the
following day,  every day.

* Between 06-00hrs and 11-00hrs the rank will revert to being a
loading/unloading area for the market and drivers are asked to leave the
temporary rank area clear for this purpose.

* Drivers are reminded that if they are asked to vacate the rank or not to
wait/park in areas in close proximity to the market, including Mount Street
and this request is made by a relevant  officer from GMP, city council or
market security personnel,  then they will be expected to comply with any
reasonable request that is made of them in this regard.

Regards

Taxi Licensing Team
Manchester City Council
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'Fake' taxi driver insisted he was taking Swansea student to a restaurant for drinks

It has sparked a warning to students to be on their guard for unlicensed and unregistered cabs

Students at Swansea University have been warned to beware of fake taxis in the city.

It comes after a lone student reported getting into what she thought was a taxi, only to be taken in the opposite direction.

Posting on a Facebook page, she said the driver had told her he was taking her for drinks at a restaurant. When she told him she had switched on location services on her phone, he pulled over and let her out.

The university students union has since issued a warning.

It posted on its Facebook page: "Posts have been made in social media groups relating to lone students traveling by taxi in Swansea, where the students were put into threatening situations by the driver.

"In these cases, the vehicle was not a registered taxi with Swansea Council.

"We would encourage you to be aware of these issues and take precautions when travelling around Swansea.

"This can be done by making sure the driver is wearing an identity badge and that the expiry date shown on it has not lapsed, there should also be a badge displayed in the vehicle. We also suggest that you are accompanied when possible and avoid traveling alone."

But what exactly should you look out for when choosing your taxi?

According to Swansea Council, taxis licensed by them are black in colour.

At the end of your night, it is best to find these taxis at official ranks.

These include Caer Street opposite the Slug and Lettuce in Castle Square, York Street opposite the Vue Cinema, and Kingsway outside the NCP car park.

What about private hire?

All private hire vehicles licensed with the City and County of Swansea are white in colour.

These must be pre-booked through a licensed private hire operator and not hailed.

Without a booking, it is against the law for the driver of a private hire vehicle to take you and they could be uninsured.

They carry a yellow licence plate on the rear of the vehicle. They also carry green triangle stickers on both front doors of the vehicle

All licensed vehicles in Swansea have a unique licence number on both the passenger and driver doors, and on the plate on the back of the vehicle.

You should make a note of this number when using any licensed vehicles before you get in so the driver can be traced if need be.

What the taxi driver will be wearing:

All licensed drivers will wear a badge with their photograph, licence number and expiry date.

A second badge should also be displayed inside the taxi, which can be checked.

Swansea Council warns: "Take a lift in an unlicensed taxi and you're putting your life at risk.

"Your driver may not be insured if you have an accident and you run the risk of being cheated, assaulted or even worse.

"If your taxi doesn't display these stickers and plate, don't get in."

'Wales Online'