Pembrokeshire residents and visitors are being warned about the dangers of rogue taxi drivers. Pembrokeshire County Council's licensing team and Dyfed Powys Police are advising the public that using illegal taxis may be putting their lives at risk. It follows reports of serious attacks by unlicensed drivers in other parts of the country, with passengers being assaulted, raped or injured after accepting lifts. Passengers should always check out drivers and their cars before getting in. Comprehensive checks are made on licensed vehicles and the suitability of licensed drivers prior to licensing, including ensuring that insurance cover is provided. To ensure that vehicles are correctly maintained and the drivers licensed, Officers from Pembrokeshire County Council's licensing team in conjunction with Dyfed Powys Police Traffic Unit carry out regular roadside inspections of these vehicles. Said Gareth Watts, pollution control and licensing manager with the county council: "We are again reminding the public that they must make basic checks before getting into a vehicle to ensure that it is a legitimate licensed vehicle." A licensed Hackney Carriage can be identified by: a yellow plate affixed to the rear, bearing the licence number, number of persons it is licensed to carry, the registration mark and the vehicle's make and model; door sticker with the vehicle licence number displayed on it in black; the roof light; taxi meter; table of fares; a yellow plate affixed inside the vehicle, bearing the licence number, vehicle details and the number of persons it is licensed to carry. A Private Hire Vehicle can be recognised by: a white plate on the front and rear, bearing the licence number, the number of persons it is licensed to carry, the registration mark and the vehicles make and model; a white plate affixed inside, bearing the licence number, vehicle details and the number of persons it is licensed to carry. A licensed driver can be identified by a yellow identification badge bearing his licence number, name and photograph.
American Stretched Limousines
There are more and more of these vehicles being offered for hire within the South Wales area. Prospective clients should be aware that before booking one of these vehicles they should check that the vehicle is either licensed by the local council as a Private Hire Vehicle or the Traffic Commissioner as a Public Service Vehicle (PSV). An operator will be able to provide documentary proof of registration. Regardless of the number of seats in these vehicles none are legally able to carry more than eight passengers. Any person who is carried as a paying passenger in an illegal vehicle may not be covered by insurance. If you are aware of any unlicensed activity, contact Pembrokeshire County Council's licensing team on 01437 775473.
TIPS
Always try and pre-book a licensed taxi. Make sure the taxi you order is the one you get into. Ask the taxi firm for the car details when you book it and give them your name. Before you get into a taxi, text the plate number to a friend. If your phone has a camera, send the photo of the taxi plate to someone you trust. Mr. Watts added, "This council will seek to prosecute any unlicensed drivers and request the court for a driving ban. The taxi trade in this county must have confidence that the law is being used to its fullest effect in tackling the unscrupulous drivers and operators."