It’s that time of year when we’re all busy catching up with family, going to work nights out and meeting up with friends. Alcohol, for many people, is a big part of the Christmas and New Year celebrations. Luckily, the drink driving message has hit firmly home. Many cities put on extra public transport services over the festive period which makes getting home easy. If you live in smaller towns though, the best option might be a taxi. However, don’t get carried away with festive good cheer. Safety should be top priority, and not every taxi driver is what they appear to be. Here are our top tips for spotting a dodgy cab over Christmas.
Pre-booked or hail on the street?
Only the traditional black “Hackney Cabs” are allowed to pick up passengers on the street. This sort of taxi operates in most large UK cities. Drivers have to prove their knowledge to get a licence, and apply for a DBS check before being allowed to work as a taxi driver. Minicabs, which are properly known as private hire vehicles, have to be booked in advance by phone or using an app. Never get into a minicab or car which stops in the street and offers to run you home. At peak periods taxi drivers get very busy so share cabs with friends and book as far in advance as you can.
Spot a dodgy cab by looking at the driver’s licence
All drivers, whether driving a minicab or black cab need a licence. The licence will be issued by the local authority. Many cabbies have their licences hanging from their rear view mirror. A genuine cab driver will never have any problem in allowing you to check their licence. Make sure the picture matches the driver. Licensed minicabs should also have a metal plate issued by the local council on the back, next to the number plate. If you book a minicab, ask the phone operator to confirm the name of the driver who is picking you up. A few precautions lessens the risk of getting into an unlicensed cab by mistake.
Watch the chat
Taxi drivers have a reputation for being chatty and there’s nothing wrong with engaging your driver in conversation as they take you home. Just take care over the topics of conversation. If you’re going home to an empty house, it’s probably best not to say so. Talk about television, the weather, politics or local news – just not about the expensive gifts you have at home waiting to be wrapped.
Don’t be paranoid
Being cautious when getting into a cab is sensible. But that doesn’t mean you have to assume everyone has the worst intentions. The DBS checking system in the UK works well to filter out people who really shouldn’t be driving you home. Lots of modern taxi firms have apps, which allow you to track your cab on its way to you, and pay up front so that you’re not even carrying cash with you into the taxi. Merry Christmas!