TAXI drivers in Middlewich have warned the public that there are unlicensed taxis operating in the town.


The group have become outraged at the amount of unlicensed taxis operating in the town and say it is dangerous for members of the public.


Ricki Bridle, owner of Rick’s Private Hire and spokesperson for the group of taxi drivers in Middlewich, said: “There are quite a lot of people operating illegal taxis in Middlewich and we want to make people aware.


“We know because we have watched them doing, I have approached them a couple of times and once they got quite violent.


“Cheshire East has been informed about them but they said they need more evidence from us. They want us to get evidence of them taking money but that puts us in a dangerous position they should investigate themselves”


Cheshire East Council confirmed that they are investigating unlicensed taxis operating in Middlewich.


A Cheshire East Council spokesperson said: “We have received a complaint that unlicensed taxis have been operating in the Middlewich area.


“As our investigations are not yet completed, we are unable to make any further comment.”


Ricki also gave tips on how to tell the difference between a legal taxi and an unlicensed taxi and warned of the dangers of using the latter.


He added: “A legal taxi will have taxi plates on the front and back of the vehicle and documentation inside the vehicle. The name of the company has to be on the side of the vehicle too.


“It is dangerous for people to get in these taxis because they have not had the police checks, they might have a criminal record, the driver might be a violent person.


“As well as that it could cost a lot more, and they could take you the long way around.


“It is dangerous for the public and we want to make them aware but the thing for us is we are struggling and these illegal taxis will force us out of business.”