Environmental health manager Ben Hunter wants to remind West Norfolk residents that when they flag down a taxi, hail one from a taxi rank or book a private hire vehicle they should check the correct licensing is in place.

"The purpose of the licensing system is to ensure the safety and security of passengers," Mr Hunter said.

"Vehicles are the subject of enhanced vehicle safety checks and the drivers have to go through a Criminal Records Bureau check."

All licensed taxis are required to display a council-issued white-coloured plate on the rear of the vehicle and be fitted with a roof light.

The vehicle will also display a white licence in the front window next to the tax disc and be fitted with a fare metre.

Private hire vehicles (PHVs) can only pickup pre-booked fares and cannot ply for hire at taxi ranks.

PHVs have to display a council-issued yellow plate on the rear of the vehicle and a yellow licence on the front windscreen of the vehicle above the tax disc.

Drivers of both taxis and private hire vehicles must also wear an identification badge which displays their photograph.

Cabinet member for community councillor David Harwood said: "We receive occasional reports of people posing as taxi or PHV drivers which causes us concern, and while we do investigate complaints and prosecute where we can, nothing can take the place of personal vigilance.

"All licensed drivers will be happy to show their identification and the plates on the rear of their vehicles and badges in the windscreen should all be clearly visible.

"We would urge anyone needing to use a taxi or private hire vehicle to quickly check that this identification is present and if they notice or experience anything suspicious to report it to us as soon as possible, so we can investigate," he said.

The borough's licensing team can be contacted on 01553 616600.