Press Release December 22 2009

CHRISTMAS and New Year revellers in Ribble Valley are being advised not to risk their safety by using unlicensed taxis or flagging down private hire vehicles.

And to help them stay in the driving seat when it comes to taxi safety, Ribble Valley Borough Council's register of licensed premises, vehicles and drivers is now available online.

Diane Rice, the council's legal services manager, said: "The names of licence holders, along with licence numbers, issue and expiry dates, and licence terms, are now contained on a public register on the council's web site.

"Members of the public can use the facility to ensure that vehicles are licensed, which means they will be safe, comfortable and roadworthy, and that drivers have a reasonable knowledge of the area, are medically fit and free from serious convictions.

"The register also contains information about premises and alcohol licences, and the terms of those licences, such as conditions and hours."

Ribble Valley Borough Council's licensing team has issued the following tips to help taxi-users have a safe journey during the festive season:

*    "Yellow plate" private hire vehicles must be pre-booked. Only "blue plate" hackney carriages can be flagged down or hired from a taxi rank. It is illegal for private hire vehicles to pick up passengers in the street
*    Check drivers are wearing identification badges that have not expired
*    Check the identity of drivers against the photographs on identification badges
*    Check that cab licence plates at the rear of vehicles or on the left-hand side of windscreens are in date
*    Don't give personal details to drivers
*    Agree private hire fees in advance. Metred hackney cab fees are set by the council

The council's public register can be found in the licensing and enforcement section at www.ribblevalley.gov.uk

Anyone who suspects a driver of operating without a licence is asked to contact the council's licensing team on 01200 414411.

Ends.

Ref: PR5509.

Date: December 22 2009.