A campaign to put the brakes on rogue taxi drivers this Christmas has been launched in Carmarthenshire.

Hundreds of posters have been printed as part of the drink-drive campaign to make sure Christmas revellers and shoppers know how to tell which taxis are unlicensed.

There are still people masquerading as taxi drivers without being granted a proper licence Don Davies, Carmarthenshire Council

The notices, which will go up near public telephones in pubs, clubs and shops around Carmarthenshire, urge people to look for the correct identification.

People travelling in unlicensed taxis would not be insured in an accident, and there is no guarantee that vehicles are roadworthy.

The campaign is jointly launched by Dyfed-Powys Police and Carmarthenshire County Council.

Despite regular checks on taxis by police and council officers dodgy drivers are expected to try and cash in on the Christmas bonanza.

Rich pickings

The authorities have warned rich pickings to be had as people flock into towns to shop and celebrate the festive season, especially with the anti drink-drive message being hammered home.

The cold weather means less people will be inclined to walk or wait at bus stops.

Guidelines have been issued to help people make sure they travel in licensed taxi.

• Taxi drivers should always wear identification badges, and cabs are usually parked at known ranks or their numbers can be found in the Yellow Pages.

• Hackney carriages, which can be flagged down in the street, have a roof sign, two identifying white door stickers and a white plate on the back bumper.

• Private hire vehicles, which can only be pre-booked, carry two identifying yellow door stickers and a yellow plate on the back bumper.

• Taxi fares are always clearly displayed in the cab.

Caution

Licensing committee chairman Don Davies said: "With the message about drink-driving hitting home, more people are using taxis around Christmas.

"But they must be cautious as unlicensed drivers will be looking to cash in on shoppers and revellers at this time of year.

"There are still people masquerading as taxi drivers without being granted a proper licence.

"We want people to know what to look for so they can be sure of choosing a taxi which is safe and properly licensed."

To report an unlicensed cab, or for more information, contact the council's licensing section on 01554 742303.