Rochdale's Safer Taxi Initiative

Date published: 09/12/2005

Rochdale Town Centre Management Co and RMBC General Licensing Section have teamed up this Christmas to help visitor's to Rochdale ensure that they get home safely!

Officers took to the street distributing "Rochdale's Safer Taxi" leaflets to late night revelers explaining the possible implications should they not get in one of the Council's licensed vehicles.
 
The exercise went down exceptionally well with many coming to ask what it was all about and being really pleased with its handy wallet size.   The leaflet is intended to be very informative about the do's and don't of taxi's and also carries all the telephone numbers of local Private Hire operators. Visitors can then follow the correct conduct and book their taxi home or alternatively go to one of the many ranks where they can find a
Hackney Carriage.
 
Debbie O'Brien, Town Centre Manager said "The credit card size leaflet was a fantastic success, particularly with the ladies, this sort of information is invaluable to the general public who just aren't aware.  This is again a fantastic joint initiative which shows that partnership is the only way forward."
 
Beverly Wilkinson, Taxi licensing manager said "Many customers either don't know the rules about pre-booking Private Hire vehicles or they ignore them, especially when they have been drinking and want to get home at the end of the evening. Public safety is a priority to us; hopefully this leaflet will help members of the public make better informed choices".
 
Councillor Ann Metcalfe said "I am really thrilled that this joint working between Rochdale Town Centre Management and RMBC General licensing Section has shown such a positive outcome.  Standing at a taxi rank at 2.00am in the morning handing out leaflets shows more than dedication to the job in my mind!

This is yet another example of good practice which should be applauded. We really do need to be careful and be fully aware of the implications of using vehicles which are not licensed.  Working in partnership is as Debbie quite rightly says the only way forward. Together we can improve things and make Rochdale a safer place in which to live and work and this is a wonderful example of just such an initiative".
 
If you would like to receive one of the handy booklets please contact Town Centre Management on 01706 866676.