REVELLERS are being warned to check their taxi is safe and legal this Christmas.

West Oxfordshire District Council is urging residents to think twice when they get into a taxi and to look out for the council’s licence plate on all vehicles.

The council has also warned people heading out on Christmas nights out to check their taxi driver’s identity badge.

READ AGAIN: Three taxi drivers have licences suspended

This comes after three taxi drivers in Banbury and Bicester had their licences suspended earlier this mornth as part of a joint operation by Thames Valley Police and Cherwell District Council

It hopes by doing so it will stamp out the problem of people getting into unlicensed taxi cabs just because they are cheaper.

West Oxfordshire District Council cabinet member for licensing Norman MacRae said the advice could prove vital for residents over the festive period.

He added: “We need to get the message across that people should not risk their lives by using unlicensed vehicles because they may appear to be cheaper.

“Drivers of these vehicles have not been through the police check and regular medicals demanded by the Council’s licensing rules.

"The vehicles are not insured to carry passengers and have not undergone the required stringent mechanical checks.”

The council said that under licensing regulations vehicles have to go through an MoT test every six months if they are more than five years old.

A licensed taxi will have its licence plate on the rear of the vehicle.

Meanwhile, a licensed driver will wear or display their identity badge with licence number and licensing authority details.

For more information visit westoxon.gov.uk