TAXI drivers in Newport are warning women and teenagers to beware of unlicensed rogue taxis cruising the city and picking up passengers.

City centre drivers have told the Argus that the problem of unlicensed cabbies is raising concerns about the safety of passengers, particularly young people and women travelling on their own.

And the drivers are now urging taxi users to ensure they are travelling with either a reputable taxi firm or using the official Hackney ranks in the city centre, situated at the bus station, the train station or the part-time rank outside the Bridge Street post office.

Other recommendations made to passengers include checking there is a disc in the front of the taxi - yellow for a Hackney car and white for a private hire; check there is a city council plate on the rear of the vehicle, and check the vehicle is clean and tidy and the meter is working.

Ron Hughes, secretary of the Newport Driver's Association, said: "If anyone does have any concerns over a taxi then we would ask them to make a note of their number and contact the Civic Centre.

"There are concerns not just over this issue, but also cars from outside the area, notably some Cwmbran taxis who are coming in and picking up Newport fares.

"People should know that they should not be getting in these cars as they are not insured to take passengers on Newport fares."

One driver said: "In the light of recent events, children being grabbed off the streets, and the killing of teenage boys and girls, we urge young people that if they are using taxis to make their way home, to take this advice."

He added: "These are just some safeguards to help you have a happy end to your night out. The good taxi drivers of Newport have a police check every three years, the licensed taxi drivers in our city are good hard working people. Look after them and they will look after you."