Police Warning Over Unlicensed Taxis

Police are investigating several reports of unlicensed taxis operating on the Isle of Wight over the weekend.

One Volkswagen van was seized by police because the vehicle did not have the correct insurance to carry fare paying passengers.

A number of people in the van confirmed to officers that they had paid the driver to take them from Newport town centre to the Bestival music festival.

Police and Isle of Wight Council are warning other unlicensed taxi drivers that action will be taken against them if they accept money from passengers without the necessary insurance or licence issued by the local authority.

Officers are also advising members of the public not to put themselves at risk by paying an unlicensed driver.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police by phoning 101. Mini-Com users can call the police on 18001 101. Information can be given anonymously by calling the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111. Isle of Wight Council's Licensing team can be contacted by phoning 01983 823159.