RESIDENTS are being warned not to use unlicensed taxis due to the “high safety risk” for passengers.

Caerphilly Trading Standards have receivedare warning residents in the borough not to use unlicensed taxis under any circumstances, following a number of complaints regarding the high volume of illegal taxis operating in the county borough, which are often advertised via social networking sites.

Such vehicles are not subject to the strict testing that licensed taxis must comply with to and so they pose a dangerous risk to users, the council said.

The penalty for operating an unlicensed taxi is a fine of up to £1,000 for each time the vehicle is used and a further fine of up to £1,000 for failing to have a licence to drive a taxi. Those operating such taxis will also be liable for a fine of up to £5,000 for not carrying the proper insurance, as well as six penalty points being added to their license for each offence.

Cllr David Poole, cabinet member for community and leisure services, said: “Unlicensed taxis are not only illegal, but also very dangerous. These unlicensed drivers and their vehicles not subjected to the same regulations and checks as licensed taxis. Residents are putting themselves at risk by entering a stranger’s unchecked vehicle.”