Revellers warned over fake taxis

Unlicensed taxis have been reported in Hartlepool

Fake taxis are attempting to pick up passengers on the streets of Teesside, a council has warned.

Unlicensed drivers may try to take advantage of revellers enjoying Christmas festivities, Hartlepool Council said.

The authority has advised people to book transport in advance or use an approved rank.

Licensing manager Rachael Readman said unlicensed taxis could be poor value for money and even put lives in danger.

Complete stranger

Ms Readman said approved drivers were vetted and their vehicles regularly inspected, adding: "For most people getting into a taxi means getting into the car of a complete stranger.

"Using an unlicensed taxi means there are no checks and the integrity or intentions of the driver cannot be guaranteed and any vehicle would almost certainly not be correctly insured."

The council said it was believed fake taxis often operate at busy times like Christmas, when people were more likely to have been consuming alcohol and it was easier for unlicensed drivers to blend in and make money.

The council issued the following advice:

• Council licensed taxis are yellow and marked with licence numbers and a council logo - do not use a taxi if it is not clearly marked

• Book a taxi in advance or look for taxis waiting at approved taxi ranks

• Vehicles that are booked in advance may not be yellow but must still be marked with its licence number and a council logo

• Yellow taxis should have fares clearly displayed within the vehicle - usually on a rear window