Christmas revellers warned: “Get taxi wise!”

Party-goers out enjoying themselves over Christmas and New Year are being warned to check the cab they get home is the real deal.

Unlicensed drivers posing as cabbies are responsible for hundreds of attacks across the UK each year, preying on unsuspecting passengers who get into their vehicle after a night out.

Taxiwise, the national campaign promoting the safe use of taxis, is urging people to check the taxi licence plate on the outside of a cab to ensure it is legitimate, and, wherever possible, use a black cab or a private hire vehicle booked in advance.

The call is being backed by model-turned TV presenter Lisa Snowdon who wants people to take extra care when arranging to get home from festive parties.

She said: “It can be all too easy for people to go out for a Christmas party, have a couple more drinks than they might normally and then simply get into the first vehicle that pulls up offering to take them home.

“But that makes you an easy target for the illegal and unlicensed drivers who cruise the streets looking for people to pick up. It’s a big risk to take.

“Play it safe. Always make sure the taxi you are getting into is a legitimate one. The safest way to do this is to hail a London-style taxi or book a cab in advance, and always check the taxi licence plate.”

Celeste Clarke, spokesperson for Taxiwise, added: “Passengers need to get into the habit of checking a cab is legitimate before they get in.

“They should look for the licence plate on the outside which identifies the vehicle as a Hackney carriage or private hire vehicle, look for the driver’s licence inside and text someone to let them know they are getting in a vehicle and how long it should take to get home.”