Warning over bogus taxis on social media

People are being urged by a council to make sure they use licensed taxis over the festive period.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council asked residents not to book bogus cabs through social media.

Councillor Lyn Healing, East Riding of Yorkshire Council cabinet member for communities and public protection, said: "We know this time of year sees increased frequency of unlicensed taxis so it is vital to take extra precautions to stay safe."

She encouraged people to report concerns to the council's licensing team.

Safety measures including dashcams and CCTV had been fitted to licensed vehicles, the council said.

Taxi marshals will be operating in Beverley's Saturday Market on 20 December from 20:00 GMT until 03:00, 21 December from 20:00 until 03:00, and on New Year's Eve from 22:00 until 03:00.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council issued the following guidance to people using taxis over Christmas and the New Year:

• All taxi users are urged to make sure their taxi is a licensed service or private hire car before they set off.

• Residents who have not pre-booked their journey home from anywhere in the East Riding should be aware that any vehicle they flag down or approach for immediate hire must be an East Riding licensed Hackney Carriage.

• Vehicles from outside the East Riding cannot lawfully collect customers for immediate hire, and doing this may invalidate their insurance and put customers at risk.

• Only Hackney Carriage cabs can be hailed in the street or on a taxi rank and they should carry a plate on the back of the vehicle.

• Private hire vehicles must always be booked in advance and display a plate on the back of the vehicle.

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