City implements new rules to combat fake taxis

Private hire vehicles must be pre-booked, City of Wolverhampton Council said

Private hire drivers in Wolverhampton are now required to keep livery signage off doors, under new rules to combat fake taxis.

City of Wolverhampton Council aims to prevent the impersonation of private hire vehicles by people printing imitation signs and operating as an illegal taxi.

The change is designed to ensure passengers focus on the private hire vehicle licence plate to verify their booking.

The council said a consultation with the trade found 93% were in favour of the changes and people responding felt they would make journeys safer.

Private hire vehicles must be pre-booked and the authority provides a sign for licensed drivers to attach to each passenger window.

People needing a vehicle immediately should look for hackney carriages - black cabs - with an illuminated taxi light, the council said.

They should also check there is a valid hackney carriage licence plate on the back of the vehicle and that the driver is wearing the correct badge.

The council started implementing the government’s best practice guidance on Thursday, after it was approved by the authority's regulatory committee.

Customers can check the driver and vehicle sent to collect them by direct contact with the operator via phone, text message or app.

The driver would also know their name and destination through booking details the passenger provided, the council said.