PEMBROKESHIRE residents and visitors are being warned about the dangers of rogue taxi drivers.

Pembrokeshire County Council's licensing team and Dyfed-Powys Police are advising the public that using illegal taxis may be putting their lives at risk.

It follows reports of serious attacks by unlicensed drivers in other parts of the country, with passengers being assaulted and suffering serious sexual assaults and violence after accepting lifts.

The council has advised passengers to always check out drivers and their cars before getting in.

Comprehensive checks are made on licensed vehicles and the suitability of licensed drivers prior to licensing, including ensuring that insurance cover is provided.

To ensure that vehicles are correctly maintained and the drivers licensed, officers from the county council's licensing team, in conjunction with Dyfed-Powys Police's traffic unit, carry out regular roadside inspections of these vehicles.

A licensed hackney carriage can be identified by:

A yellow plate affixed to the rear, bearing the licence number, number of persons it is licensed to carry, the registration mark and the vehicle's make and model.

Door sticker with the vehicle licence number displayed on it in black.

Roof light.

Taxi meter.

Table of fares.

A yellow plate affixed inside the vehicle, bearing the licence number, vehicle details and the number of persons it is licensed to carry.

A private hire vehicle can be recognised by:

A white plate on the front and rear, bearing the licence number, the number of persons it is licensed to carry, the registration mark and the vehicles make and model

A white plate affixed inside, bearing the licence number, vehicle details and the number of persons it is licensed to carry.

A licensed driver can be identified by a yellow identification badge bearing his licence number, name and photograph.

If you are aware of any unlicensed activity, contact the county council's licensing team on 01437 775473.