Warning issued to revellers on taxi use

Festive revellers in Cannock Chase are being urged to stay safe and not get into any unlicensed taxis over Christmas and New Year.

The warning is being issued by Cannock Chase Council to drinkers to make sure they use licensed taxis because there has been a number of incidents around the country where people have been attacked by unscrupulous drivers. The council wants party-goers to check they are getting into a vehicle which has a taxi licence plate displayed.

It should also have a yellow license badge on the front windscreen and the driver should be wearing a driver's badge issued by the council.

Across Cannock Chase there are about 250 licensed taxis and 350 licensed taxi drivers.

Karen Sulway, council environment protection manager, said: "We just want to highlight the fact that there may be unscrupulous people out there wanting to take advantage of the Christmas trade as well as take advantage of people who may perhaps be worse for wear.

"There have been incidents in other parts of the country, fortunately not here, where a young girl has been taken by an unlicensed driver and has never been seen again.

"We may not be at the most alert after a Christmas party, many people just want to get home and think any means of getting home will be fine but it is not and if you get in an unlicensed taxi or private hire car you may not get home."

Revellers are also being warned against getting into private hire taxis which they have not called to book. There 25 private hire vehicles registered across Cannock Chase.

Anyone who has a problem should note the driver's badge number and plate number and contact the council's licensing staff on 01543 462621.