PEOPLE are being warned to steer clear of bogus taxi drivers offering cut-price trips through social media sites such as Facebook.
East Riding Council's licensing officers have issued the warning following reports of unlicensed vehicles operating in the area.
The council, which ran a taxi safe campaign over Christmas and New Year, is urging the public to remain vigilant about bogus drivers.
To keep the public safe, licensed taxi drivers must have enhanced criminal record checks, regular health checks and an enhanced taxi driver assessment test, as well as checks on their DVLA licence.
Councillor Jackie Cracknell, portfolio holder for community involvement and performance at the council, said: "People are aware of getting licensed taxis or private hire vehicles over the Christmas and New Year period, but this is something to be aware of all year round.
"Many of the unlicensed services being offered through Facebook appear to be from young and/or inexperienced drivers looking to make some extra money, meaning they have none of the experience, licences or security checks which are needed.
"We are asking people to think carefully about how they and their loved ones are getting home after a night out and we want to make them aware of the potential dangers of getting into an unlicensed vehicle."
Cllr Cracknell also warned passengers could be in danger from bogus drivers operating illegally.
She said: "The most obvious issue is passengers may not know the drivers and when they seek lifts, often when in drink, they could put themselves in a dangerous position."
She also warned drivers to think twice about breaking the law.
She said: "If any drivers are thinking about doing this just stop and ask, 'is it worth it?'
"You could risk your safety, car, insurance and even your life for the sake of a few pounds, as well as committing a criminal offence."
Beverley-based independent hackney carriage driver Dave Hancock, 50, is backing the council's awareness campaign.
He said: "It is a problem. If people are operating unlicensed taxis to make a profit they will not have the right insurance. If they have an accident they would not be able to claim and there would be no compensation.
"Also, they will not have been vetted so passengers would not know who they were getting in with."
Mr Hancock said bogus taxi drivers could also be running unroadworthy vehicles, putting the public at risk.
He said: "We maintain our vehicles to meet the council's requirements safety-wise.
"We have our vehicles checked by the council. They will turn up on an evening, we don't know when they are coming, and they go round the vehicles and make sure they are roadworthy."
Paul Bellotti, head of housing, transportation and public protection at the council, said: "Public safety is very important to us and we hope people will take on board the advice and make the right decisions when choosing how to get home from a night out."
Anyone who is concerned about unlicensed taxis should email licensing@eastriding.gov.uk to contact the council's licensing team.
Only hackney cabs can be hailed - Only hackney carriage cabs can be hailed in the street or on a taxi rank and they should carry a plate on the back of the vehicle – East Riding licensed vehicles display white oval door stickers and have a top light saying TAXI. - Private hire vehicles must always be booked in advance and display a plate on the back of the vehicle – East Riding licensed vehicles have yellow oval stickers on the front passenger doors saying "pre-booked only". - All licensed drivers should have a driver's identity badge issued by the relevant council, which should be prominently displayed at all times.