REVELLERS celebrating Christmas and New Year across Babergh can now be sure their taxi or private hire vehicle is licensed, thanks to a new online register.

REVELLERS celebrating Christmas and New Year across Babergh can now be sure their taxi or private hire vehicle is licensed, thanks to a new online register.

The licensing register has been launched this week and includes licence details of all taxi and private hire vehicles, drivers and operators who are licensed across the district.

It is published on Babergh District Council's website.

For Hackney Carriage and Private Hire vehicles, the registration number, make, model and maximum number of passengers of each vehicle is also included.

Lee Carvell, principal licensing officer at the council, said: “We are pleased to have this service online in time for the festive season.

“We hope it will give party-goers peace of mind that they are using licensed taxi and private hire services, and also stop anyone from drinking and driving - encouraging them to take a lift home instead.”

The website also includes details of premises licensed to sell alcohol, from corner shops to pubs, hotels and restaurants.

Mr Carvell added: “Updates to the online register are made in real time - so whenever we make a change the website is instantly updated. We would encourage everyone to plan ahead and organise their transport before they leave home, to help ensure a happy and safe festive season.”