Residents are being urged to “get home safely” by Powys County Council this Christmas by using a licensed hackney carriage or private hire vehicle.

The council’s Licensing Team are urging residents to ensure that both the driver and the vehicle are licensed before entering the vehicle if they intent to travel in a hackney carriage or private hire vehicle.

The team has provided some top tips for a safe ride home this Christmas;

A private hire

• can only be pre-booked

• don’t have a meter so agree your fare in advance!

• may not be so easy to spot as they don’t have a taxi sign, however they should have a yellow taxi plate on the rear to show that they are licensed

• drivers of private hire vehicles must be licensed too and must have their photo badge with them.

A hackney carriage

• can be pre-booked, hailed or are instantly available at a taxi rank

• will have a meter fitted – make sure your driver uses it and re-sets it at the start of your journey so you are not overcharged!

• have a taxi roof sign and a white plate on the rear to show it is licensed

• drivers of hackney carriages must be licensed too and must have their photo badge with them.

Both types of vehicle are ‘Non Smoking’.

Cllr John Powell, Cabinet Member for Licensing, said: “For your own safety it is important that you only use a licensed service.

“If you travel in an unlicensed vehicle driven by an unlicensed driver, or travel in an overloaded vehicle, you are putting yourself at risk and you may not be insured if the vehicle is in an accident.

“All licensed vehicles and drivers are vetted by the authority and considered to be safe and fit for purpose. Unlicensed operators are illegal.”

If you are unsure if the company you are using has licensed drivers and vehicles or to report any concerns then please contact a licensing officer: