PEOPLE out celebrating over the festive season in the Wyre Forest district are being urged to make sure they travel home safely.

Wyre Forest District Council is reminding people that they can hail hackney carriages but have to pre-book private hire vehicles. It is also warning them against travelling in unlicensed vehicles.

In October 2005 the Council introduced new licensing conditions for all cabs, including the introduction of door signs. All hackney carriages have silver door signs while private hire vehicles have red door signs. Both contain the driver's licence plate number.

There are currently more than one hundred licensed taxis and private hire vehicles in the Wyre Forest district so there are lots of opportunities to travel in comfort and safety over the festive period.

Top taxi tips are:

Only use licensed Taxis or Private Hire vehicles which are identified by door signs and plates to the rear.
  • Pre-book your taxi
  • Make sure the driver has an identification badge and their name is clearly visible
  • Make sure someone knows where you are going and what time you expect to be home and if your plans change tell them
  • Make sure your mobile phone is charged and you have credit
  • Be sure, be safe, never get into a car without door signs and plates

Councillor Anne Hingley, Wyre Forest District Council's Cabinet Member for Planning, Heath and the Environment said: "We brought the new licensing regulations in very much with safety in mind. The door signs and plates make it very easy to identify which cars are hackney carriages and which are private hire. Private hire vehicles should always be pre booked. If you flag one down, you are not insured for that journey.

"We are lucky that we do not have a problem with unlicensed taxis in the district but we are keen to ensure that people are able to enjoy the festive season."