Sign Of Safe Times For Taxis

Door signs set to be put on taxis and private hire vehicles will give customers extra reassurance that the cars and mini-buses are fully licensed and safe to use.

Following a decision by Redditch Borough Council’s Licensing Committee, red door signs will be put on the front passenger doors of Hackney Carriages, or taxis, and green signs placed in private hire vehicles.

As well as showing the Council’s logo and vehicle licence number the green sign will remind people that private hire cars have to be booked and cannot legally pick them up without a booking.

Licensing Committee Chairman Cllr Salman Akbar said: “People should only use licensed taxi and private hire vehicles as these will be subject to safety checks and the drivers will have been subject to vetting so passengers can rest assured they are in safe hands.”

The new door signs will be in addition to the existing vehicle licence plates that should already be being displayed on the rear of licensed vehicles and the details should match.

This is so the vehicle can be identified if a customer needs to make a complaint or raise a concern. The signs should all be in place by March.

Council Leader Matt Dormer added: “These door signs reassure resident that these taxis are ours and have gone through this Council’s rigorous safety tests. “Our residents’ safety is paramount and whatever extra reassurance we can give is welcome.”

Anyone who has any concerns or complaints regarding taxi or private hire vehicles operating in Redditch can contact Worcestershire Regulatory Services via email at enquiries@worcsregservices.gov.uk or by calling 01905 822799.