BOLTON Council is reminding residents to make sure that they use hackney cabs and private hire vehicles safely this Christmas.

During the festive period more people make use of private hire and hackney carriage vehicles than at most other times of the year.

The council’s trading standards and licensing team wants to remind residents to ensure they travel safely at this time.

Cllr Nick Peel, cabinet member for environmental services, said: “People in Bolton will be using taxis at Christmas more than at any other time of the year, but we want to make sure that they use them safely. If they follow these dos and don’ts, we hope that they will have a safe and happy Christmas.”

Advice includes: only hail hackney carriage vehicles (London style traditional taxis).

You should only approach a hackney carriage vehicle which has a lit sign and has a white plate with the vehicle licence number displayed on the rear of the vehicle.

Only book a private hire vehicle (saloon type cars and up to eight-seater minibuses) through an operator (booking office/base) – do not try to ‘hail’ a private hire vehicle as you may not be insured in the event of an accident. These vehicles must have a yellow plate on the front and back of the vehicle with the licence number on. They must also have the operator name and number displayed on the front doors.

Make sure you give your full name to the operator and the number of passengers so they can record full details as required by law. Your details, including your telephone number and names given as part of the booking must not be kept or used by the operator (other than as part of their operator records) their staff or their drivers. If your number is given to the driver, for example as a means of notifying a passenger of arrival, as soon as the booking is completed the driver MUST delete the number.

Contact Bolton Council Licensing Team if you have any concerns about the operator or driver. They can be contacted on 01204 336584 or by email at licensing.unit@bolton.gov.uk

Ensure the drivers badge is on show before you enter a private hire or hackney carriage vehicle – this should always be visible by law – if not ask them to show it to you.

Please do not drink alcohol in a private hire or hackney carriage vehicle – this is for you own safety, the driver’s safety and for the safety of other passengers. Drivers have been instructed to refuse to carry passengers that have alcohol in open containers.

For your own safety, do not get into a vehicle which does not have the licence plate on display. The yellow or white licence plates displayed on the vehicle show that the vehicle has been tested at an approved garage within the last 6 to 12 months and was roadworthy at the time of test.

Also for your safety, do not get into a vehicle with a driver who does not have a badge visible. These badges are your proof that the driver has undergone a criminal record check and rigorous medical before being issued with a licence.