RESIDENTS using taxis in Hambleton are being urged to check vehicles are licensed after reports of unlicensed cars operating in the area.

Hambleton District Council says it has been made aware of several unregistered taxis operating in and around Northallerton, particularly late at night on weekends.

The council is advising people to check vehicles for identification before embarking on a journey. Those registered by Hambleton council have a licence plate attached to the rear of the vehicle and two door stickers on the sides of the car. Drivers should also be identifiable by a badge showing their name, photograph and licence expiry date.

Hambleton District Council and North Yorkshire Police are working to ensure any unlicensed drivers are subject to appropriate action, which may involve prosecution.

A spokeswoman for the council said: “All drivers and vehicles licensed by the local authority are subject to extensive testing in order to ensure the safety of the travelling public. And any member of the public travelling in a licensed vehicle will be fully insured for the duration of their journey.

“However any unlicensed driver, will not have been subject to criminal record checks or medical assessments and cannot be regarded as a fit and proper person to act as a taxi driver. The person behind the wheel of an unlicensed taxi could be extremely dangerous and the same could be said of the vehicle itself.

“Unlicensed vehicles may not be roadworthy and they will not be subject to the appropriate insurance cover and in the event of an accident in an unlicensed vehicle, passengers will not be able to make a claim for any injuries suffered.”

  • To report an unlicensed taxi contact the licensing team on 01609-779977 or email licensingteam@hambleton.gov.uk