The danger of taking a ride in unlicensed ‘taxis’ in Cornwall is being highlighted.

Throughout September the Safer Cornwall Partnership in conjunction with Cornwall Council Licensing Compliance and members of the taxi trade are working together to highlight the dangers of using illegal cabs.

The campaign team will be attending student events at Saltash, Falmouth, Newquay, Stoke Climsland and Penryn, handing out leaflets and offering advice to young people.

Cornwall Council licensing compliance manager Bob Mears said: “Through social media such as Twitter and Facebook, car owners are increasingly offering taxi services but without the necessary licence for themselves or Hackney Carriage or Private Hire licences.”

Steve Rowell, community safety officer for West Cornwall said: “It is very important that we highlight the dangers of using unlicensed vehicles and drivers. The licensed drivers in particular go through very stringent scrutiny before they get their licence in terms of a group two medical and full CRB check.

"If there is any doubt about their fitness to hold a licence they are required to appear before a licensing committee who will examine the information placed before them to determine whether the applicants is a fit and proper person to hold such a licence.

There have been a number of cases in other parts of the country where unlicensed taxi drivers have been involved in nasty incidents including rape, assault and theft, which highlight the importance of ensuring that taxi drivers are suitably vetted through the licensing system.”

Mr Mears added, “All licensed vehicles are subject to serious scrutiny. Apart from an annual MOT, those vehicles over three years old are required to have an interim MOT every 6 months, and are subject to joint agency inspections by the police, licensing and VOSA. Many of the unlicensed vehicles are not fit for purpose; are unroadworthy and are not covered by suitable insurance in the event of an accident.”

The team will also be promoting alcohol awareness at these events and distributing leaflets and posters through local PubWatch and taxi forums.

If you require any information regarding either licensed taxis or obtaining a drivers or vehicle licence please contact Cornwall Council Licensing Service on 0300 1234.