Stay Safe: How to Spot Unlicensed Taxis and Imposters

The safety of passengers using taxi services has been a growing concern, in recent years. While the safety standards within the industry have been raised dramatically, unlicensed taxis and imposters posing as taxi drivers are still a serious issue.  
 
A case in point is the recent crackdown on 'Facebook taxis' in the Channel Islands.  

This term refers to unlicensed taxi rides organised through Facebook groups, where individuals offer or request lifts for a fee. The police have expressed concerns about the safety of passengers and drivers involved in these transactions, as well as the impact on the licensed taxi industry. 

Commenting on the issue, Guernsey Police said: 

“The majority of drivers offering Facebook taxis are also not licensed, so even if they are providing the lift with good intentions, if there was an accident, there would be no insurance cover. 

"We can never know what the intentions of a stranger are and getting into a stranger’s car, particularly after enjoying a night in town, can leave you vulnerable." 

They also warned that anyone caught providing or using such services could face prosecution and fines. 

Also reported this week, a man in Brighton had been posing as a taxi driver to target vulnerable women in the city. The man, identified as Graham Head, posed as a taxi driver to abduct and assault women.  

Armed with a balaclava, latex gloves, condoms, and Viagra pills, Head roamed the streets of Brighton in a Mercedes, pretending to be a cab driver. His victims were women who had hailed what they believed to be a taxi after a night out. Head was found guilty of kidnap, attempted rape, and assault by penetration, highlighting the grave dangers posed by fake taxi drivers. 

These incidents underscore the importance of being able to identify legitimate taxi drivers and services.

How to Identify Licensed Taxi and Private Hire Drivers 

There are several things passengers can look out for to ensure they are dealing with a licensed driver. For instance, most local authorities require licensed drivers to display their licence or an issued ID badge in their vehicles at all times.  

Additionally, licensed vehicles must display details of their licensing authority on the exterior of the vehicle. They must also display 'No Smoking' signage and information explaining how passengers can lodge a complaint with their licensing authority. 

The condition of the vehicle can also be a giveaway. Taxi and private hire vehicles are held to higher standards than personal vehicles. Most authorities state that the vehicle used should be no more than 12 years old from the date a license is issued.  

In some areas, this is even lower as concerns about vehicle emissions grow. The rules in place regarding the emissions of vehicle also mean that hybrid vehicles are far more common in the industry. 

Finally, local authorities require new taxi or private hire drivers to complete knowledge tests of the local areas as part of their licensing conditions. If a driver seems completely unaware of where to go, it could be a sign that they are driving illegally. 

It is crucial for passengers to be vigilant and aware of the signs of an unlicensed or fake taxi driver. By doing so, they can protect themselves from potential harm and ensure a safe journey home.