Ensure you are taking precaution when using taxi services.
Incidents involving taxis in North Warwickshire are very rare and all NWBC taxi drivers and vehicles are thoroughly vetted and checked before a driver is issued with a licence or a vehicle is issued with a plate. The checks include a medical to ensure the driver is fit to drive, a criminal records check to ensure public safety, and the drivers must inform us if there are changes in any of their circumstances, for example if they receive a motoring conviction or worse!
The vehicles have to undergo stringent safety checks and are tested twice a year to ensure they are roadworthy, and the vehicle must be insured to carry passengers for hire and reward.
NWBC licensed drivers are issued with a badge that includes their name and a photograph. NWBC licensed vehicles are issued with a plate which has a number, expiry date and registration number of the vehicle it is attached to.
When using taxis in North Warwickshire, always check to make sure the vehicle and driver are licensed. The driver will show you his or her badge if you ask and there should be a plate attached to the rear of the vehicle with the vehicle details on.
Most taxis licensed by NWBC can apply for hire within North Warwickshire and can sit on any taxi rank within the Borough but other companies from outside our area cannot which means Uber drivers, for example, cannot be approached and a journey arranged, they have to be pre-booked before the journey starts. NWBC taxis have an illuminated ‘taxi’ sign on the roof. If you do flag a vehicle down with a taxi sign always check to make sure it and the driver are licensed by NWBC because if not, they will not be insured!
We have heard stories of food delivery drivers offering a taxi service for payment. Do not use these people as a taxi. They have not been subject to the strict checks we make for our licensed drivers and the vehicles may not be roadworthy and more importantly they will not be insured to carry passengers!
If you have any concerns or wish to speak to us about taxis within North Warwickshire please contact us at Licensing@northwarks.gov.uk