If you're having a night out, rather than walking home, members of the public may be more inclined to take a taxi. Because of this, South Holland District Council is promoting the 'Get Home Safely' campaign.
Nigel Payne, Community Services Manager said: "The Council is advising people using taxis and private hire vehicles to take care, particularly late at night. Under normal circumstances we would not jump into a vehicle alone at night with a person that we did not know. Therefore why should taxis be any different? By using a licensed driver and vehicle, members of the public can be assured that the necessary safety checks have been made."
The Council are asking you to carry out the following simple steps to ensure that you arrive safely at your destination. Members of the public using such vehicles should make sure of the following:
- Ensure that the vehicle has a licence plate fitted to it (yellow for a Hackney Carriage, red for Private Hire). There should be one plate fitted externally, and one internally, bearing the same number.
- If the vehicle is a Hackney Carriage (taxi), a meter and a 'top box' should be fitted.
- The driver should be wearing a licence badge. This will contain a photograph and an expiry date. Check it!
- A table of fares should be clearly displayed. Ask what fare rate you are being charged and ensure the meter is set to the correct rate. Between 07:30 and 23:00 = Rate 1, between 23:00 and 07:30 = Rate 2, and Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day = Rate 3.
- The vehicle should be clean, tidy and respectable. Look at the general condition of the vehicle. Is it clean & tidy and generally well maintained? Whilst licensed vehicles receive regular compliance tests, if the interior and bodywork have been neglected then the mechanics of the vehicle may also have been neglected.
If you are booking a vehicle, ask if it is licensed and ensure you know the company who is picking you up and agree the fare if private hire. You may wish to use a recommended operator.
If you have any concerns about the legitimacy of a vehicle/driver, or wish to complain about any related matter, please take the vehicle registration number and relevant details, then contact the Food Safety & Licensing Team on 01775 761161 who will investigate.
