REVELLERS in Chorley are being warned about using rogue taxi drivers this festive period.

Council chiefs are keen to get the safety message across -- as passengers could be driven without insurance cover by unlicensed operators.

Chorley Borough Council currently licenses 29 Hackney carriages and around 100 private hire vehicles.

The authority says all its taxis are regularly inspected to high standards and that all drivers are checked and required to pass a test of their knowledge of the district and the regulations involved.

Councillor Ralph Snape, chairman of the licensing committee, said: "Christmas and the New Year period are often times when bogus operators take advantage and we just want to remind local taxi users of what to look out for and what kind of service they can expect from licensed vehicles."

Chorley's Hackney cabs are white with the exception of one wheelchair-accessible black Metro cab. They all display a green plate on the rear bumper and have a "Taxi" sign on the roof.

Private hire are saloon cars of various colours, except white, and people carriers, and all display a yellow plate on the rear bumper.

Drivers of both Hackney carriages and private hire must wear a badge issued by the council.

Councillor Snape added: "Private hire vehicles can only be booked by first contacting their operator.

"We want to remind the public of this because it is important that they do not use such a vehicle unless it is pre-booked. If they do it could be that insurance may not cover that particular journey.

"As far as Hackney carriages are concerned, the council sets the fares and these must be displayed on a fare tariff inside the vehicle.

"No additional fare can be charged. Private operators often use the same tariff but are allowed to set their own fares.

"We would advise travellers to always check with the operator as to what the fare is likely to be when booking and it is important that people with extra needs, such as wheelchairs or guide dogs, make this clear at the time of booking as a private hire operator may charge extra to convey wheelchairs or guide dogs."

He said anyone who has any questions or complaints should ring the licensing unit on 01257 515163 or 515164.