POLICE are asking people to be aware of unlicensed taxis that may be operating during the weekends in Launceston.

It is after police in Launceston said they have had numerous reports recently about vehicles on a Friday and Saturday night picking up people from the town and conveying them for a price to the town’s night club.

Launceston Police wrote on Facebook: “We have been told that these vehicles are not legitimate taxis. You can easily identify a bona fide taxi it will have its licence plate displayed on the vehicle and will probably have the name of the firm on display.

“These vehicles have very strict tests every three months to ensure passenger safety and will also have insurance that covers the conveyance of fare paying passengers.

“Please be aware that any vehicle not displaying a Hackney Carriage Licence plate is probably uninsured to carry fare paying passengers and in effect is breaking the law.”