Warning Over Unlicensed Taxi Adverts On Social Media

Christmas and New Year revellers are being warned about unlicensed drivers using social media sites to falsely advertise themselves as providing a “taxi” service.

Last Christmas, and throughout this year, East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s licensing team have had a number of reports of individuals offering cut-price driving services on sites such as Facebook.

While it is legal for friends and family members to offer lifts home, people who advertise themselves as taking bookings and take money to get you home, without having the relevant checks and insurance, are breaking the law and can leave themselves and their passengers open to many public safety risks.

To keep the public safe, licensed taxi drivers need enhanced criminal record checks, regular health checks as well as having their driving ability tested and driving license checked.

Councillor Shaun Horton, portfolio holder for community involvement and local partnerships at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “Many of the unlicensed services being offered through social media appear to be from young drivers looking to make some extra money over the Christmas and New Year period, meaning they have none of the experience, licenses or security checks which are required.

“I would ask people to think carefully about how they and their families are getting home after a night out and to be aware of the potential dangers of getting into an unlicensed vehicle.

“The most obvious issue is that passengers may not know the drivers and when they seek lifts, often having consumed alcohol, they could be putting themselves in a potentially dangerous position as they could be vulnerable and in many cases, taking a lift off a stranger.

“My message to anyone who may be thinking of offering a cut-price, unofficial taxi service would be to ask themselves if it’s worth it as they could be risking the safety of themselves, their passengers, car and insurance but they are committing a criminal offence.”

Tina Holtby, licensing manager at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “Public safety is very important to us and we hope people will take onboard the advice given and make the right decisions when choosing how to get home from a night out.”