Warning issued over unlicensed taxis in Dumfries and Galloway

Police Scotland are reminding the public to use licenced taxis following reports of unlicensed drivers operating in and around Dumfries.

They state that the use of an illegal taxi has safety issues, including drivers not having been vetted, potentially invalid insurance, as well as having an impact on those operating as a legitimate business.

Sergeant Amy Ritchie from the Divisional Licensing Unit, said: "People should consider their journeys carefully. Using licensed taxi companies, employing drivers who are vetted to ensure they are fit and proper to convey the public, can help keep you safe. A licensed taxi will have the vehicle make and model, registration and license number clearly displayed.

"The legitimate taxi trade go through rigorous checks to ensure that their vehicles are safe and suitable to transport members of the public, while unlicensed drivers have not undergone these checks.

"While offers from such drivers might be appealing from a financial point of view, you may be compromising your safety and putting yourself at significant risk.

"We would ask anyone with information on illegal taxis to report it to Police Scotland on 101 or report it anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

Individuals found to be operating as a taxi without a licence could receive a fine of up to £2,500.