Revellers who go for a night out without a car have been warned of the dangers of using unlicensed taxis to get them home.
Thurrock Council's licensing team is concerned that use of such vehicles, many of which have not had to meet the same stringent standards as licensed cabs, may be dangerous.
The team is urging taxi users to be cautious before jumping into a cab, and to check that the vehicle is licensed.
Council licensing officer Paul Buttell said: "The operation of taxis and private hire vehicles is controlled by the council and it is essential that vehicles are registered with us to ensure they meet all safety requirements.
"Passengers should look out for the yellow or green licence plate on the rear of the vehicle and door stickers that show it is licensed by Thurrock Council."
At a public inquiry held in Cambridge recently, a Grays-based cab firm, ComPass Travel was refused a licence on appeal after it was found two cab companies operated by them were running unlicensed taxis.
At the inquiry, Eastern area traffic commissioner Geoffrey Simms refused to grant a public service vehicle operator's licence to ComPass representative Sharon Ponder.
Ms Ponder claimed to own and operate A3 Taxis in Grays and Civic Cars in Tilbury.
Thurrock Council licensing officers provided evidence that both companies were not licensed to run vehicles as taxis, private hire vehicles, minibuses or buses.
Published Wednesday, January 29, 2003
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