Check a taxi is licensed before using one this Christmas

People heading to enjoy a night out and parties over the festive season are being urged to make sure they use a licensed taxi.

With Christmas just around the corner, Wrexham Council are warning partygoers about the dangers and risks of using unlicensed taxis.

Advice issued by Wrexham Council states that all private hire or hackney cab vehicles should be displaying white and purple coloured licence plates which should be on the outside of all vehicles.

Private hire vehicles will also have yellow adhesive signs in the rear windows.

All drivers should have an ID badge with their name, photograph, licence number and expiry date. If you can’t see it then ask to see it before you set off.

During December licensing officers from the council will be working with Wrexham Police to spot check taxis to ensure they are all legal and fit for purpose.

Cllr Hugh Jones, Lead Member for Communities, Partnerships, Public Protection and Community Safety, said: “It’s so easy to jump into a waiting taxi when you leave a night club or similar venue and expect to get home safely. Christmas is a time when some unscrupulous people see a chance to make a few pounds by posing as a legitimate taxi driver.

“On these occasions the vehicles will be unlicensed and will not have gone through the necessary tests for transporting the public and will not have adequate insurance so it’s worth a quick check before you get in and if you can’t see the driver’s ID badge, please ask to see it.”