WITH the festive party season about to start, Wirral Council is reminding people to check late night taxis are legitimate before getting in Taxi vehicles and drivers are licensed by the local authority, with the aim of protecting the public.

All licensed drivers must display a valid badge, and their vehicles must carry a plate clearly identifying the car as being properly registered.

Councillor Bill Davies, chair of the licensing committee, said: “This year has seen some changes to public transport, in particular the removal of the cross-river service late on Saturday nights which used to bring people home from Liverpool city centre.

"This means that more people than ever will be looking for taxis after their Christmas nights out.

“People’s safety is the most important thing. We want to reinforce the message that bona fide taxis and their drivers are required to display their licences prominently. If in doubt, don’t get in.”

Taxi ranks are always busy over the festive period, but private hire cabs can be booked in advance.

By law, private hire cabs must be pre-booked.

If you get into one of these vehicles without booking you may not be insured and the driver will be breaking the law.