Warning over bogus taxis

People are being urged to use licensed taxis

Festive revellers on Teesside are being urged to be aware of bogus and unsafe taxis and minibuses.

A recent investigation by Middlesbrough Council, Cleveland Police and the Vehicle Inspectorate found there are taxis working in the town with no licences as well as sub standard vehicles.

The investigation came after a number of complaints

Sarah Ratcliffe, the council environmental health manager said: "Recently we have carried out some enforcement work in conjunction with the vehicle inspectorate and Cleveland traffic police.

"The type of defects we were finding were one car had four defective tyres, another had defective suspension and another missing wheelnuts and so we are looking at some serious mechanical problems."

Less discerning

The council is strongly advising people to book their cabs in advance and check that the driver has a licence.

Ms Ratcliffe said: "Make sure you go home in a licensed taxi or minibus and never get in a car that has no plates, no stickers, no taxi sign at the top because there are people out there, rogue taxi drivers or operators, who will pick people up."

The council said it is an issue all year round but because there are more people out over the festive period it is worried they may be less discerning over what transport they use.

Middlesbrough Councillor Barry Coppinger said: "I wouldn't encourage anyone to flag down a minibus that is passing because we want to make sure vehicles are properly licensed and properly insured and that they are operating at safe vehicle standards because we don't want people's lives to be put at risk."