Christmas & New Year Travel Warning: Fake Taxis and Fake Private Hire Cars
Fake taxis Christmas New Year are most commonly unmarked, standard cars pretending to be legitimate private hire vehicles. During the festive period in Liverpool, some drivers illegally approach passengers and falsely claim to be private hire.
These vehicles typically have no door signs, no operator branding, and no visible identification, making them easy to mistake for a genuine booking — especially late at night or in busy areas.
Why Unmarked Cars Pretending to Be Private Hire Are a Serious Risk
Fake taxis Christmas New Year present serious risks because these drivers operate completely outside the law.
- No licensed driver background checks
- No valid private hire insurance
- No booking record or journey traceability
- No fare agreement or consumer protection
- No accountability if something goes wrong
Independent industry guidance from TaxiPlus explains how passengers can protect themselves by learning how to spot illegal taxi drivers .
How Fake Private Hire Cars Mislead Passengers
Unmarked cars may claim they are collecting a booking, covering another driver, or working for an operator. Without a genuine pre-booked job, all of these claims are illegal.
Private hire vehicles cannot legally be hailed on the street. If a car approaches you offering a lift, it is not operating legally.
Airport Transfers: Extra Safety Advice
Airports are a key target for fake taxis Christmas New Year, including Liverpool John Lennon Airport and Manchester Airport.
- Never accept a lift from someone approaching you
- Only meet your driver at the agreed pickup point
- Your driver should already know your name and destination
All Picks Travel airport transfers are pre-booked, flight-monitored, and operated by licensed private hire drivers.
Fake Taxis Christmas New Year: A Growing Safety Concern
Fake taxis Christmas New Year continue to be a growing safety concern across Liverpool during the festive period. As demand for transport increases, unlicensed drivers take advantage of passengers who may be tired, distracted, or unfamiliar with private hire rules.
Incidents involving fake taxis Christmas New Year rise around nightlife areas, transport hubs, and airports. These vehicles often look convincing but operate without the checks and protections required by law.
Understanding how fake taxis Christmas New Year operate helps passengers make safer decisions. Pre-booking with a licensed private hire operator removes uncertainty and ensures your journey is legal, traceable, and safe.
Why Pre-Booking Matters More Than Ever During the Festive Season
During Christmas and New Year, transport demand increases significantly across Liverpool. Late-night events, busy nightlife areas, airport travel, and reduced public transport services all increase reliance on private hire vehicles.
When journeys are booked in advance, there is a clear record of the booking, the assigned driver, and the vehicle being used. This traceability is essential for passenger safety.
While unlicensed drivers may offer cheaper prices, a cheaper price is never worth compromising your safety. Small savings are not worth the risks involved.
Pre-booked travel is the safest way to travel.
Booking with a licensed private hire operator ensures your journey is authorised, recorded, and prioritises your safety from start to finish.
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Picks Travel – Safe, reliable and professional festive travel.