With the festive celebrations underway, Bolton Council has partnered with the hackney carriage and private hire trade, to issue twelve reminders for anyone taking a taxi over Christmas and New Year.
It’s a busy time of year for the town and district centres, with increased demand on the private hire and hackney carriage trade.
The council works closely with its partners in the trade to emphasise their duty of care to the public and ensure they meet the highest professional standards.
- Taxi Marshals are here to help
A taxi marshal scheme will operate at the taxi ranks on Bradshawgate on Friday and Saturday evenings, Boxing Day and New Years eve from midnight until 5am.
Marshalling schemes have proven to be effective in helping vulnerable people, reducing illegal ‘pick-ups’, controlling taxi queues and reducing anti-social behaviour.
- No Excuse for Abuse
Passengers who use anti-social behaviour towards drivers this party season will be reported to the police.
- Trust2Ride
Bolton licensed hackney carriage and private hire drivers are all required to have completed the “Trust2 Ride” training.
The course equips drivers with the necessary tools to respond when they suspect a passenger may be vulnerable or at risk. Look out for the “Trust2Ride” accreditation stickers.
- Look out for livery
Know what to look for when booking or hailing a vehicle. Private hire vehicles licensed by Bolton Council should display front and rear plates, large back door signs and internal vehicle and driver information.
Hackney carriage vehicles in Bolton are all purpose built (traditional style taxis) and should display a rear plate.
Make sure the information on the internal signs, door signs and plates match.
- Buckle Up
Ensure you put on your seat belt as soon as you get in the taxi. It’s a simple and easy way to help keep you safe.
- Help keep our taxis clean
Private hire and hackney carriage vehicles are for use by everyone.
Please keep them clean and safe by NOT eating, drinking, smoking or vaping whilst travelling. Don’t forget to check, before leaving the vehicle, that you have all your belongings.
- Be prepared to pay upfront
Over the busy Christmas period, drivers may ask you to pay for your journey upfront. This is normal practice, and drivers are legally entitled to request it.
- Get Home Safe #GHS
Organised by the Best Bar None initiative, the #Get Home Safe scheme aims to raise awareness of the rules around private hire vehicles and prevent the use of unlicensed vehicles.
Private hire vehicles must be booked in advance of pick-up, have a licence plate on the front and back of their vehicle, a sign on the back door, display internal stickers and the driver must wear their private hire driver’s badge where it can be clearly seen.
- Know the difference
Only hackney carriage vehicles (traditional style taxis) can be “hailed” in the street.
Available vehicles will have a lit sign. Look out for a white plate with the vehicle licence number displayed on the rear of the vehicle.
Private hire vehicles (saloon type cars and up to 8 seater minibuses) can only be booked through an operator (booking office/base/booking app).
Do not try to ‘hail’ a private hire vehicle as you will not be insured in the event of an accident.
- Snap a photo
When taking a taxi home, consider taking a photo of the vehicle details and licence plate to message to a friend or family member. Genuine drivers will understand the reasoning behind this.
- Spot checks
Over the Christmas period, Bolton Council officers will be carrying out several vehicle spot checks. These are essential to ensure the safety of the public.
If you are a passenger in a vehicle when it is stopped, please be patient. If officers need to suspend the vehicle, an alternative will be found for you.
- Report anything suspicious
If you see anything suspicious, report it to Bolton Council licensing team at licensing.unit@bolton.gov.uk, Greater Manchester Police on 101 (non-emergency) or 999 (emergency).
Cllr Sue Haworth, Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member with responsibility for licencing said:
“Thank you to all in Bolton town centre and in the borough’s other towns, villages and neighbourhoods who are working evening and night hours so many of us can very much enjoy the festive season.
“Following the 12 days of Christmas for taxi passengers will be greatly appreciated as it’s a tried and tested way to keep you safe.
“Please do stick to no eating, no drinking, no smoking and no vaping in taxis – it really helps, thank you.”
Mahmood Akhtar, Vice-Chairman of Bolton Private Hire Association, said:
“We’d like to wish everyone a safe journey through the festive period and a Merry Christmas and a Very Happy New Year from Bolton Private Hire Association.”