Are you planning to use a taxi over the festive period?

Shropshire Council’s public protection and enforcement team is looking for feedback from the public about the service they receive from taxi businesses over the festive period.  

Current legislation requires drivers, vehicles and operators to be licensed before they can provide a taxi or private hire service to members of the public.  Drivers must pass a knowledge test and a driving assessment, and have a CRB and DVLA check.  This helps to determine if drivers are fit and proper people.  Vehicles must have a recent MOT certificate and comply with current conditions before a licence and plates are issued.  

Private hire vehicle journeys must be booked in advance through a private hire licensed operator.  Only Hackney carriages may be hailed in the street, and these will display a roof sign that clearly states “Taxi”.   If a member of the public gets into a private hire vehicle that has not been pre-booked, the vehicle’s insurance will be invalid. 

Frances Darling, service manager, safer and stronger communities for public protection and enforcement, said:

“We are working hard with taxi businesses to ensure members of the public are safe when they choose to use a local taxi service.  Direct public feedback is a vital part of this process.  I strongly encourage people who use taxis to give us feedback on an ongoing basis, but particularly over the next few weeks during the festive period, so that we can continue to improve the taxi services that are available in Shropshire.”  

The number to call to provide feedback is 0345 678 9026.  Public protection officers will consider all the information received and, where there are complaints about the service provided, condition of vehicles, driver behavior or any other matter that gives the council cause for concern, these will be investigated.    

Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member with responsibility for public protection, said:

“We want everyone to have a great time over the festive season, but we want to encourage everyone to get home safely.  If you get a taxi home, make sure you prearrange your transport through a licensed private hire operator, and only get into the private hire vehicle that you actually booked.  Do not hail vehicles in the street unless they are properly licensed as Hackney carriages, and look out for the ‘Taxi’ roof signs.”