RESIDENTS across Renfrewshire are urged to stay safe over the New Year celebrations.

Revellers are being asked to consider pre-booking their taxis to and from their night out, ensuring they get home safely.

And Renfrewshire Council are set to provide taxi marshals on Thursday, Friday and Saturday night at the Paisley Gilmour Street taxi rank to manage the queues and offer support.

Councillor John McNaughtan, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Regulatory Functions Board, said: “We know that people are out and about more often over the festive period which can mean a high demand for taxis.

“We’re providing taxi marshals at the Gilmour Street rank to ensure that people are safe while waiting for a taxi and the queue is managed appropriately, but if you can, pre-book your taxi home as this is the best way to ensure you get home quickly and safely over the festive period.”

Council bosses have advised that only vehicles that have a council taxi or private hire plate on the front and rear of the vehicle should be used and the driver should be displaying a badge within the vehicle.

Taxis for public hire in Renfrewshire are all white in colour, can be hailed down in the street or pre booked.

Private hire vehicles must be pre booked in advance through a private hire car company. 

There are several in Paisley, Johnstone, Linwood, Renfrew and Erskine.

For more information visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/taxisandprivatehires