Get teens safely to prom night

Unlicensed drivers are relatively rare in the taxi trade, but every year many parents book unlicensed chauffeurs to take young people to their prom.

These services are often promoted through social media or on internet sites and it can be hard to know which businesses have the correct measures in place.

Councillor Steve Clark, deputy leader of Dudley Council, said:

We know prom night can be one of the most exciting times in a young person’s life and we want everyone to have a special and memorable time this year.

However, we are urging parents to think carefully about who they book transport with remember that companies driving without a licence could potentially put people at risk, as the correct safety measures and checks are not in place.

Parents can ask the driver for photographic identification, the name the journey is booked in and the destination when their child is collected. There should be an in-date licence plate on a private hire vehicle, or an exemption certificate.

It’s always good to remind young people to wear a seatbelt at all times and not to distract the driver.

People can check if a licence is up to date at www.gov.uk/find-vehicle-operators or by contacting Dudley Council’s licensing team on 01384 815101.