After a night out during Christmas or the New Year, there’s often a mad dash for taxis as weary revellers try to get home.
Anglesey Trading Standards officers are warning people to be on their guard, however, and not to jump into just any car that comes along.
If a vehicle is on the road illegally, it may very well be unroadworthy, unsafe and uninsured. The driver will not have been vetted either.
The Isle of Anglesey County Council’s Trading Standards Section is responsible for licensing Taxis and Private Hire vehicles on the Island.
The drivers of both these types of vehicles must wear and clearly display an identification badge. This will demonstrate that they have been properly vetted and deemed suitable to carry members of the public. If you don’t see an identification badge, ask to see it.
Licensing Enforcement Officer, Arwyn Hughes, said, “It’s amazing how many people will still jump into any old car that has stopped for them, without checking to make sure the vehicle is allowed to take passengers. There have been warnings about individuals who have been attacked walking home late at night, but people could be putting their lives at risk if they get into an unlicensed taxi with an unlicensed driver.”
On Anglesey it is easy to recognise a licensed Taxi. They are white or silver in colour and will have a ‘for hire’ roof sign and a meter. They must also display the new Council identification plates on the front and rear of the cars. These plates hold all the vehicle details and date of expiry of the licence and are easy to read.
Private Hire Vehicles can be any colour, except white, and as the name suggests must be pre-booked. They cannot be flagged down, stand on a taxi rank or tout for business. These cars will also display Council identification plates on the front and back of the cars.
Environment portfolio holder, Councillor Bob Parry OBE, who is responsible for Trading Standards matters, added, “With Christmas and the New Year celebrations coming up, it is likely that there will be more people out and about but with less transport to take them home. We urge people to book a recognised taxi or private hire vehicle well in advance for their journey home.”
