Swansea University has issued a safety warning to students using taxis following reports of unlicensed drivers in the area.
Swansea University published a statement from their Students' Union, saying: 'It has been brought to the Union’s attention that over the weekend there have been a series of incidents involving the safety of our students.
'Posts have been made in social media groups relating to lone students traveling by taxi in Swansea, where the students were put into threatening situations by the driver. In these cases, the vehicle was not a registered taxi with Swansea Council.
'Similar incidents have occurred involving lone students walking around Swansea in the day, where they were put into an uncomfortable situation by being followed and/or approached by a stranger.
'We would encourage you to be aware of these issues and take precautions when traveling around Swansea.
'This can be done by making sure the driver is wearing an identity badge and that the expiry date shown on it has not lapsed, there should also be a badge displayed in the vehicle. We also suggest that you are accompanied when possible and avoid traveling alone.'
South Wales Police also addressed taxi and private hire users with safety advice, saying: 'We are reminding people of the importance of using a licensed taxi.
'There are two types of taxis both of which have to legally display their licence.
'For Swansea - Hackney carriage vehicles are black and carry a white licence plate on the rear of the vehicle. They also carry yellow roundels (stickers) on both front doors of the vehicle.
'Private hire vehicles are white and carry a yellow licence plate on the rear of the vehicle. They also carry green triangles (stickers) on both front doors of the vehicle.
'For Neath Port Talbot: - Hackney Carriage vehicles (which can be hailed in the street or wait at a taxi rank) are black and carry a green licence plate on the rear of the vehicle. They also carry green door signs on both front doors of the vehicle.
’Private Hire Vehicles (which must be pre-booked) can be any colour (except black) and carry a blue licence plate on the rear of the vehicle. They also carry blue door signs on both front doors of the vehicle. 'Please do not get into an unlicensed vehicle when the driver is not known to you.'
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