Enhanced Safety Measures for Taxi Riders During UK’s Festive Period

East Riding of Yorkshire Council has introduced a series of safety measures to protect residents using taxis during the festive season. The initiatives, which include updated CCTV systems and the deployment of taxi marshals, aim to address the rise in safety risks as Christmas and New Year celebrations approach.

Residents have been warned about the dangers of using unlicensed or “bogus” taxi services, which often operate illegally during this busy period. These unauthorized vehicles and drivers are not subject to safety checks and are frequently promoted via social media.

Enhanced Security Features for Licensed Taxis

All licensed taxis in East Riding now feature advanced security systems to ensure passenger and driver safety. The new upgrades include:

• CCTV coverage of the vehicle's interior.
• A forward-facing dashcam for monitoring road activity.
• An audio recording feature, which passengers or drivers can activate if they feel unsafe.

These improvements are designed to deter criminal activity and provide evidence in case of disputes or incidents.

Identifying Licensed Taxis

The council is urging customers to only use legally licensed taxis. During the festive period, the number of bogus taxis tends to increase, posing significant risks to passengers. To help passengers identify legitimate vehicles:

• Licensed drivers are required to display a council-issued ID badge prominently.
• Hackney Carriage cabs can be hailed on the street or from taxi ranks. They display:
  • A plate on the back of the vehicle.
  • White oval stickers on their doors.
  • A top light marked "Taxi."
• Private hire vehicles, which must be pre-booked, carry:
  • A plate on the back of the vehicle.
  • Yellow oval stickers on the front doors, stating "pre-booked only."

Taxi Marshals and Licensing Enforcement

To further enhance safety, the council will deploy taxi marshals at Beverley Saturday Market during key dates:

• Friday, 20 December (8 PM–3 AM).
• Saturday, 21 December (8 PM–3 AM).
• New Year’s Eve, 31 December (10 PM–3 AM).

These marshals will assist passengers in finding legitimate taxis and ensure safe travel. Additionally, the council reminds residents that only East Riding licensed Hackney Carriages can be hailed for immediate hire within the region. Vehicles from outside East Riding are prohibited from this practice, as it may invalidate their insurance.

Council's Statement on Passenger Safety

Councillor Lyn Healing, Cabinet Member for Communities and Public Protection, emphasized the importance of vigilance, stating:

“We know this time of year sees increased frequency of unlicensed taxis, so it is vital to take extra precautions to stay safe. I encourage people to be stringent in only accepting trips from trusted, licensed taxis, and to report concerns to the council’s licensing team.”

The council's campaign, titled “New safety measures announced for taxi users during Christmas and New Year,” highlights its commitment to passenger safety and public awareness during the festive season.