East Riding raises enforcement as unlicensed taxi activity increases ahead of Christmas
- Perry Richardson
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
East Riding of Yorkshire Council has intensified licensing enforcement ahead of the Christmas and New Year period following an increase in reports of unlicensed taxis circulating in the region.
Licensing officers said many of the vehicles flagged by residents appear to be promoted through social media, circumventing all regulatory checks that apply to legitimate operators.
The council said complaints typically surge in December as demand for late night transport grows. Officers noted that several recent cases involved drivers presenting themselves as lawful services despite having no authorisation to operate. The authority warned that the pattern of reports indicates some passengers remain unclear about which services are permitted to take immediate hire within the East Riding.
Licensed vehicles in the area are now fitted with upgraded CCTV systems covering the interior of the cab along with a forward facing dashcam. The equipment includes an audio activation feature for passengers or drivers who feel at risk. Council officials said the technology forms part of a wider approach to bolster evidence gathering and support behavioural standards across the fleet.
Council deploys marshals and highlights stricter vehicle safeguards as reports of bogus operators rise in December
To manage increased footfall, the licensing team will station taxi marshals in Beverley during peak nights. Marshals are scheduled for Saturday Market on Friday 18 and Saturday 19 December from 8pm to 3am, and again on New Year’s Eve from 10pm to 3am. Their deployment is intended to maintain orderly queues and direct people towards licensed Hackney Carriages and compliant private hire vehicles.
The council reiterated that only East Riding licensed Hackney Carriages can legally pick up from ranks or accept street hails in the region. Vehicles licensed by other authorities are barred from taking immediate hire locally and face insurance risks if they do. Officials said this remains a common misunderstanding among passengers who may assume any plated cab can lawfully stop.
Hackney Carriages in East Riding display a rear plate, white oval door stickers and a roof light marked Taxi. Private hire vehicles carry a rear plate and yellow oval pre booked only stickers on the front passenger doors. The council urged residents to check these identifiers and plan journeys in advance during the busiest period of the year.
Councillor Lyn Healing, East Riding of Yorkshire Council cabinet member for communities and public protection, said: “At this time of year, we often see a rise in unlicensed taxi activity, so it’s crucial to take extra steps to stay safe. We urge everyone to only use trusted, licensed taxis and to report any concerns directly to the council’s licensing team.”
