A NEW campaign has been launched to crack down on cab crime.

It follows a spate of incidents including attacks on taxi drivers, complaints of bogus taxis and passengers travelling in uninsured vehicles.

Halton Council has joined forces with Cheshire Police and cabbies to warn of the risks of unlicensed taxis.

PC Tim Cheung, liaison officer, said: "Before you get into a taxi, make sure you check the details of the taxi plate against the details of the driver's badge, especially if you are travelling alone or if it is late at night.

"Only use bona fide companies."

Cllr Ged Philbin, chair of the council's regulatory committee, said: "I'm delighted to see this example of partnership working between the police and the local authority.

"We are proud to have a taxi service of the highest standards and to work together to improve the level of service to the public and the well being of drivers."

Strict rules govern taxis.

Private hires must be booked in advance, otherwise their vehicles are uninsured. Their vehicles can be any colour, except black.

They must display bright yellow plates front, back and inside and drivers must wear and a badge with their photograph.

Hackney cabs can be stopped or flagged down and must work from an official rank.

Unless it's a London style cab, which may be any colour, all hackneys must be black.

Details of all the regulations are available from Halton Council.

bjordan@worldgroup.co.uk