A number of bogus taxi drivers are operating in part of Kent - just as the need for cabbies heightens during the festive period.

There have recently been several incidents where people have ordered taxis in the Canterbury district, only for an unlicensed driver to turn up and offer their service.

One case would have involved a lengthy trip to London for an unbeknown passenger, but luckily the real taxi arrived just time.

As a result of the recent near misses, the city council has issued guidelines for people to look out for before setting foot in a taxi.

They are:

• The driver must have a badge or licence on their person at all times in a place it can be seen

• There must be a small plastic plate displayed in the front of the taxi, showing the number plate of the vehicle and the driver's badge or licence

• There must be a large plate on the rear, with the council's logo on it, and three smaller plates in the windows

The authority, which is working closely with police on the issue, has reassured to customers that all of its officially licensed drivers are DBS checked.

Anyone who thinks they are in a taxi with a fraudster, should call 999.

If an unlicensed cab comes to pick you up, report it to police on 101 or email licensing.enforcement@canterbury.gov.uk