Britons warned of unlicenced taxis hovering around Christmas with police now carrying out spot checks

Britons have been warned about the dangers of getting into unlicensed taxis during this festive season, as authorities crack down on illegal operators.

Officials at Wrexham Council have raised concerns about car owners who take advantage of people at the end of their evening by offering unofficial taxi services.

These unlicensed drivers pose a serious risk to public safety, as they operate without proper insurance coverage, potentially leaving passengers vulnerable in case of incidents.

Enforcement officers from local councils are now working alongside police to conduct spot checks throughout the Christmas period, focusing on busy streets and popular night spots where illegal operators often seek customers.

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Councillor Hugh Jones said: “Many unlicensed taxi drivers may be driving in busy streets or hovering about busy night spots for unsuspecting individuals or groups.”

The practice not only puts public safety at risk but also impacts legitimate taxi operators’ livelihoods, Jones warned, as unlicensed drivers divert income from properly registered services.

Authorities said they are particularly concerned about the increase in illegal operators during the festive season, when more people are enjoying nights out with friends and family.

To ensure safety, authorities have outlined clear ways to identify legitimate taxis during the festive period.

All licensed private hire vehicles and hackney cabs must display distinctive white and purple coloured license plates on the exterior of their vehicles.

Hackney Carriages can be identified by their rear plate and an illuminated roof sign that clearly shows the word “TAXI”.

For private hire vehicles, additional yellow adhesive signs should be visible in the rear windows.

Passengers are urged to check for driver ID badges, which must display the driver’s name, photograph, license number and expiry date.

If the ID badge isn’t immediately visible, customers should request to see it before beginning their journey.

These safety measures are part of a coordinated effort between local councils and police to protect the public during the Christmas season.

Jones added: “We will have council enforcement officers working alongside North Wales Police officers over the festive period conducting spot checks.”

The best practice is to book through reputable companies and never accept rides from unmarked vehicles or drivers who cannot produce proper identification.

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Sergeant Medwyn Williams of North Wales Police Roads Crime Unit stated: “We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable time this Christmas. A really important part of a night out is making sure that you can get home safely afterward.

“We are working closely with Wrexham Council and are carrying out spot checks. We don’t want people to get into unlicensed taxis – and by that I mean people who do taxi runs in their own vehicles, who are unlicensed and who could be anyone.”