Councillor Ron Munby View full size original

30/07/2010 - Be safe at festival time

Allerdale Borough Council is urging festival-goers to be responsible and take a licensed taxi home rather than drive if they have been drinking.

Councillor Ron Munby, Executive member with responsibility for Licensing, said: “Events such as Solfest and Silloth Music and Beer Festival are a great way of bringing tourists in to the area and for residents to enjoy this beautiful part of the world in which we live.

“By all means, enjoy the local hospitality, but please be sensible and don’t drive home. Allerdale Borough Council licences taxis, both hackney carriages and private hire vehicles, to ensure your safety. Licenses for vehicles and drivers are issued by the Council annually and there are a number of conditions which must be met.

“Vehicles must be under four years of age before being licensed for the first time. The correct insurance, MOT, vehicle registration document and a mechanical test must be in place first. These documents are checked annually and once a vehicle is over five years additional checks include a full service history and an engineer’s test.

“Drivers must undergo an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau check, doctor’s medical, Driving Standards Agency test and have their driving licence checked.

“If a vehicle in Allerdale has not been licensed by Allerdale Borough Council, then all the checks may not have been done.

”Have fun but stay safe and use a licensed taxi.”

ENDS