A WARNING has been issued by Cherwell District Council asking people to make sure they are not getting into unlicensed vehicles appearing to be taxis.

George Reynolds, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, said: "With taxi drivers taking ongoing strike action, we want to warn anyone going out over the weekend to make sure they are travelling safely in licensed vehicles.

"There is a danger in the current situation that some people might try to operate as unlicensed cabs. You won't know who is driving you".

The council is urging people to arrange to be collected by friends or relatives or to pre-book private hire vehicles to ensure they have a safe ride home, particularly if they are arriving at the train station where they would normally expect to find a taxi.

"There are some clear things you can do to make sure you are as safe as possible. Ask to see the driver's identity card before you get into the vehicle. They should be able to show you a Cherwell licence with their photograph on."

"Don't flag down any car or get into a car which stops on the street. Private Hire Vehicles are not allowed to ply for trade in this way, you must ring them in advance. They will be in breach of their licence and insurance if they pick you up in this way."

If the taxis strike this weekend, the council will be running a free coach service from High Street in Banbury on Friday and Saturday nights.

It will run around Grimsbury, Easington, Hardwick and Bretch Hill from 10pm until early morning on both Friday and Saturday nights to help ensure people can get home safely.