Taxi Marshals To Help Party-goers Get Home Safely

Taxi marshals will once again be on the streets of two East Yorkshire towns making sure Christmas and New Year party-goers get home safely.

For the sixth consecutive year, East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s licensing team will be providing marshals on taxi ranks in Bridlington and Beverley on key dates during the holiday season.

The licensed marshals will operate on the main ranks between midnight and 4am making sure there are orderly queues; ensuring people have enough money for the fare as well as making sure they are getting into a licensed vehicle.

During the festive period, the licensing team will also be looking out for any bogus vehicles to ensure only legitimate taxis are operating.

Councillor Shaun Horton, portfolio holder for community involvement and local partnerships at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said:

“The East Riding does have reputation for being a safe place to be out and about and we want everyone to enjoy themselves and stay safe.

“We know that most people who join a taxi queue after a night out are well behaved by a small minority can cause problems for others so the taxi marshals can help people stay calm and in good spirits.

“The marshals work well alongside our licensing officers to help make it a safe night out for revellers.

“We always have a first rate response from residents, people in the pub and bar trade as well as taxi owners who all say the initiative works very well.”

Anyone who has any concerns about unlicensed taxis should contact the council’s licensing team by emailing taxi.hub@eastriding.gov.uk

Tips to help you stay safe this Christmas and New Year

East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s licensing team has issued the following information and advice for people using taxis or private hire vehicles

Only UseHackney Carriage cabs can be hailed in the street or on a taxi rank and they should carry a plate on the back of the vehicle – East Riding licensed vehicles display white oval door stickers and have a top light saying “TAXI”

Private hire vehicles must always be booked in advance and display a plate on the back of the vehicle – East Riding licensed vehicles have yellow oval stickers on the front passenger doors saying “pre-booked” only

All licensed drivers should have a driver’s identity badge issued by the relevant council, which should be prominently displayed at all times

Carry a telephone number of a trusted, licensed taxi or private hire company

If possible, book a taxi or mini-cab in advance and ask for the name of the driver as well as the make and colour of the car

Confirm the details with the driver when the vehicle arrives to make sure it’s the car you ordered

If you are ordering a taxi from a public place, try not to let anyone overhear your name and address

If you are out with friends, make sure everyone has a way of getting home

If someone in your group has had too much to drink, accompany them to the taxi and make sure it’s a legitimate vehicle – friends should stick together and make sure everyone gets home safely

Do not walk home if you’ve had too much alcohol as this can make you vulnerable or you may have an accident –will you be safe? Are you in control?