Illegal taxis being advertised on social media sparks police and council warning

Pembrokeshire County Council and Dyfed Powys Police have been made aware of illegal taxis operating in the County – mainly young drivers offering ‘lifts’ on social media.

Over the next few weeks, Dyfed Powys Police Road Policing Unit will be targeting individuals suspected of acting illegally as taxi drivers and giving lifts to others.

A spokesperson for the council said: 'Anyone thinking of offering lifts for payment should be aware that they will not have the appropriate insurance and if caught could face a fine or banned from driving.

'The legitimate taxi trade go through rigorous checks to ensure that they are safe and suitable to transport members of the public.

'Unlicensed drivers have not undergone these checks. When a driver is unlicensed, the car they are driving will not be insured.'

Cllr Phil Baker, Cabinet member for Infrastructure, Licensing and Major Events has expressed his concerns about social media platforms being used to offer ‘cheap lifts’.

“I would urge everyone not to accept these offers regardless of how attractive the fare may sound,” he said.

“You may be compromising your safety and the consequences could be devastating.”

Dyfed Powys Police and Pembrokeshire County Council have said they will not hesitate in taking enforcement action against any person found to be acting as an unlicensed taxi driver.

To report anyone operating an illegal taxi in Pembrokeshire, please contact Pembrokeshire County Council’s Licensing Team on 01437 764551 or email licensing@pembrokeshire.gov.uk

Alternatively, you can report via the Wales Road Casualty Reduction Partnership at the GoSafe website at www.gosafe.org

Images: Pixabay, Nissan Dynamo