Rushcliffe Borough Council urges use of licensed taxis and private hire vehicle during festive surge
- Perry Richardson
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
Rushcliffe Borough Council has issued a safety reminder to residents and visitors to only use licensed taxis and private hire vehicles when travelling during the festive period, citing an expected rise in demand over Christmas and New Year.
The council is advising passengers to either pre-book journeys with a licensed private hire operator or use a licensed Hackney carriage from an authorised taxi rank when travelling within the borough. Licensing officers say higher demand during late-night trading and social events increases the risk of people accepting unlicensed lifts.
Passengers are being encouraged to book journeys as early as possible, with licensed operators offering bookings via telephone, online platforms and free smartphone apps. The council said early booking reduces pressure on the local taxi supply and helps avoid unsafe travel choices.
Rushcliffe Borough Council said licensed vehicles are subject to strict safety and compliance requirements, including vehicle inspections, insurance checks and driver vetting. Drivers must be assessed as fit and proper persons and vehicles must meet roadworthiness standards set by the licensing authority.
Council warning comes as Christmas and New Year drive higher demand for taxi journeys across the borough
Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Environment and Safety, Councillor Rob Inglis, has met with licensed operators NG11 Cars, Yellow Cars and DG Cars to reinforce messages around passenger safety and public awareness. The council said collaboration with operators is part of its wider approach to maintaining standards in the local taxi market.
Under local licensing conditions, all licensed drivers must carry and wear a photographic identity badge while working. Passengers are advised to check the badge before entering a vehicle and to avoid cars that cannot produce valid identification.
The council also highlighted accessibility provision within the licensed fleet. All Rushcliffe Hackney carriages are purpose-built to accommodate disabled passengers, while several private hire operators also provide accessible vehicles as part of their services.
Cllr Inglis said: “Thank you to the three Rushcliffe licensed drivers for their time helping to raise awareness of the importance of pre-booking your journey over the festive season.
“To ensure you get home safely after a night out, always book your journey in advance with a reputable, local licensed firm for collection at a prearranged time and location.
“If you haven’t booked your taxi then use a Rushcliffe Hackney cab which are black with Red Licence Plates on the front and rear of the vehicle and can be found at recognised taxi ranks in central West Bridgford.
"Never be tempted to get into a private hire vehicle without pre-booking it. Rogue, unlicensed drivers are known to impersonate private hire drivers, and the risks are very clear.
“Private hire licensed drivers can commit offences, including having no insurance, should they pick up passengers without a booking.
“Remember if it’s not booked or a licensed taxi, you’re in a stranger’s car.”
