Council and police team up for festive safety advice

Renfrewshire Council and Police Scotland have teamed up to give taxi and private hire passengers some important festive safety tips.

Councillor John Hood, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Regulatory Functions Board, said:  “Renfrewshire’s places of entertainment offer a wide range of options for a great night out.

“This is a particularly busy time of year and we want everyone to enjoy their evening and get home safely.

“So the council and the police have joined forces to issue some easy to remember safety tips when booking or using taxis and private hire cars.”

Sergeant Jeff Curran of Police Scotland  said:  “There are some simple and easy to remember tips which involve planning your night out in advance, using only licensed  taxis or private hire vehicles, and making the effort to pre-book your hire at the beginning and end of your night out.”

One of the key pieces of advice is that people should only use an officially licensed taxi cab company or a private hire vehicle.  Both options have Renfrewshire Council plates displaying the licence details and the driver’s badge should be displayed within the vehicle.

Sergeant Curran added:  “Never be tempted to take the offer of a lift from a passing car,” added Sergeant Curran.  “And check that the taxi or private hire that arrives for you is the one that you booked.  Most firms use a text service which advises when the vehicle is coming and what type of vehicle it is.”

Booking in advance  a time for a taxi or private hire to collect you at the end of the evening also saves the stress of trying to find a cab or private hire at some of the busiest times of the year.

The final piece of advice comes from Councillor Hood: “Make the effort to take responsibility for yourself and look out for your friends.”