With Christmas and the New Year approaching, Pembrokeshire County Council's licensing team and Dyfed-Powys Police are advising the public to only use licensed taxis or Private Hire Vehicles.

Comprehensive checks are made on these 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 the county council's licensing team, in conjunction with the Police Traffic Unit, carry out regular roadside inspections.

As part of the Christmas drink-driving campaign, checks will be carried out in December to ensure that all vehicles and drivers meet the required standards to ensure public safety.

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 vehicle's 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.

Said Sarah Oliver, of the council's licensing team: "At this time of year especially, people going out at night by taxi need to ensure that they are using a legitimate and reliable cab firm.

"There are persons in the county who we believe may be acting illegally by running unlicensed cabs, and we are committed to working with the police to track them down for prosecution in the courts. The message is 'keep safe and be vigilant'."

If you are aware of any unlicensed activity, contact Pembrokeshire County Council's licensing team on 01437 775473.