News

"DO YOU KNOW WHOSE DRIVING YOUR TAXI?"

More than 200 pubs and clubs in Shepway are being urged to display a poster warning customers to use o­nly licensed taxis and private hire vehicles over the festive season.

Shepway Council’s licensing team and the Folkestone Area Partnership Against Crime (FAPAC) want club and pub users to be aware of the possible dangers of getting into a car with a stranger – especially at Christmas when there is greater demand o­n licensed taxis and private hire vehicles.

“Do you know who is driving your taxi?” explains how licensed vehicles can be identified and appeals to people to use them.

There are 203 council-licensed taxis and 35 private hire vehicles operating in the Shepway district.

Cllr Hugh Barker, Cabinet Member for Community Services, said there would be a greater demand o­n taxis and private hire vehicles over the busy Christmas season and it was even more important for pub and club customers to used licensed vehicles.

“All our drivers have been police checked and we would ask people, for their own peace of mind, to use a taxi or private hire vehicle licensed by Shepway District Council. If you haven’t booked o­ne in advance and if there are queues, be patient. Don’t be tempted to get into a car with a stranger.”