Licensing Team At Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council
The Licensing team at Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council are advising residents to be wary of the risks of using unlicensed taxis.
On the 14th October in an undercover operation licensing officers uncovered a minibus vehicle being used which was unlicensed and the driver also operating without a licence. Criminal investigations are now continuing into the incident.
Licensing Officers are concerned that consumers are not carrying out basic checks when booking vehicles which could put their health and safety at risk.
Unlicensed vehicles are not checked for safety and suitability for carrying out taxi hire work and are unlikely to have the appropriate Insurance cover to undertake taxi work.
Unlicensed drivers are not vetted as being suitable to carry out this type of work; these checks include a check on the individual’s criminal record along with a medical fitness check to assess their suitability to undertake these duties.
When booking a taxi always use a licensed vehicle, a licensed vehicle will display valid plates which carry the Authority’s logo and details of the vehicle licensed.
Licensed drivers must also display a valid driver’s badge so even in a licensed vehicle customers should always ensure they check the badge to ensure the driver is correctly licensed.
Councillor Chris Barry Portfolio member for the Licensing Section “The safety of our residents in using taxi’s and private hire vehicles is paramount. Licensed vehicles and drivers are subject to tough standards which are there to protect public safety. What may appear to be a cheap booking could in fact put you, your family and friends at risk. Always check before booking that the company has the correct licenses.”
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