Rachel Rice urges party goers to get home safely with CabSafe

Big Brother winner Rachel Rice is supporting Gwent Police, together with Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) and four other local authorities, to launch a scheme designed to help people get home safely after a night out.

The scheme, called CabSafe, was launched this week just in time for the Christmas party season. It allows someone in need of a taxi to simply text CAB to 83222. They will receive a text back with the numbers of three randomly picked licensed and regulated Private Hire/Hackney Carriage operators closest to their location. Their location is pinpointed through their mobile phone signal, and participating taxi firms have agreed to prioritise calls from vulnerable females.

Taxi operators across Gwent have been contacted to join and so far, 56 have signed up for the scheme. Local authorities involved are:

• Monmouthshire County Council
• Torfaen County Borough Council
• Caerphilly County Borough Council
• Newport City Council
• Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council

Rachel Rice, Big Brother winner, said:

"I think that this is a fantastic idea. When people go out at night they've often had a few drinks, they're cold and they're desperate to get in a car to go home. This is a good way of making sure that the car they get into will get them home safely."

James Harris, MCC's Licensing Committee Chair is also pleased to be part of CabSafe:

"This should increase the use of licensed operators and it will reduce crime and the fear of crime. It's the best Christmas present we could have."

Tips for getting home safely this party season:

• Before getting in, always check the back of the taxi to ensure there's an official licence plate attached
• Pre book your taxi (keep their number handy) or pre arrange a lift
• Remember that minicabs that stop in the street may be cheaper, but aren't licensed, so they aren't safe
• Try to avoid catching a cab by yourself
• Always have your cash ready and get out of the cab before you pay the driver