Use only licensed taxis and private hire vehicles this Christmas and New Year.

That’s the message from Crawley Borough Council who have pulled together some tips for a safe journey.

Most important is making sure you get into a licensed vehicle – it will have a Crawley Borough Council plate on the back.

Taxis, which are all white, can be hailed in the street and at the town’s taxi ranks but Private hire vehicles must be pre-booked though the company, not the driver of the car.

Anyone who suspects a taxi firm of operating without a licence or a driver of driving without a licence, or using an unlicensed vehicle, is asked to make a note of the vehicle’s licence number and contact the council’s licensing team on 01293 43800 or email taxis@crawley.gov.uk