TAXI passengers have been warned to stay safe after a series of attacks by bogus drivers.

Bury Council, which licenses and monitors public and private taxis, has issued the appeal following attacks on women in the Manchester area by people claiming to be taxi drivers.

Cllr Pam Walker said: "We have issued warnings in the past to passengers over the dangers of getting into cabs without proper signs or using private hire vehicles which pull over after being hailed in the street.

"We want taxi users to follow a few simple rules. Bona fide cab drivers go out of their way to protect their reputations and trade, but there are the unlicensed and unregistered few who will always attempt to take advantage.

"This can leave customers vulnerable not only to rip off charges and to attacks.

"A few minor checks before getting into a taxi can make all the difference."

The main precautio1ns are: never use a private hire vehicle unless it has been pre-booked -- they can be identified by the advanced booking only sign.

Women travelling alone should sit in the back, not next to the driver.

Passengers should check vehicles carry external identification plates, which are white for Hackney carriages and yellow for private hire.

All drivers are required to wear an identification badge, with a photograph and a similar ID should be displayed on the windscreen near the tax disc.