You go out to have a great night and to get home safely. Most people who choose to visit Manchester do just that and here are some simple tips.

You know how you are going to get into town, but do you know how you are going to get home?

Manchester has protected fixed-price night-buses at the weekend. There are also a number of Taxi Marshall-controlled taxi ranks. Some bars will book a taxi for you if you ask them early enough in the evening, or you can book one yourself. Book it at least an hour before you need it, asking for a taxi 20 minutes before the end of the evening will increase your chances of getting one on time and not waiting... so you can have a great evening and have transport from door-to-door. If you are not sure where you intend to be at the end of the night, book the taxi when you come out and arrange to meet it at a fixed location, and try to get there at least 10 minutes early- you don’t want someone to pinch your cab.

Taxis that operate in Manchester are either distinctive Hackney cabs or clearly marked private hire vehicles. Hackney cabs have a plate number displayed on the outside and inside of the cab. Drivers should also display their licence card (this looks like a drivers licence and gives the name and badge number of the driver as well as a photograph of them). They are the only cabs that can pick customers up without being pre-booked. They work to strict guidelines, and are licensed by the local authority. They should not ask for pre-payment, and the fare you pay should be displayed for you to see.

Private-hire vehicles must be pre-booked. If you are picked up from the roadside by a private-hire vehicle it is not only illegal, but it would also invalidate the insurance of the vehicle. Private-hire vehicles are clearly marked, have a licence plate on the rear of the vehicle and the driver should also have an identity pass with his name, badge number and photograph. Manchester private-hire vehicles have a large yellow sticker with the Manchester crest on the bonnet of the vehicle so they are easy to spot, not only for the customer but also from the extensive CCTV system that monitors the city, which is always on the look-out for illegal taxi activity. Manchester Police licensing units carry out regular enforcement activity, ensuring that the taxis in Manchester are roadworthy and driven by licensed drivers.

They also target illegal taxi activity. Never be tempted to get into a vehicle that stops and tells you they are a taxi if they are not clearly recognised as a Hackney cab. They may not be a taxi at all! No matter how late or cold, it’s not worth the risk of getting into a strange vehicle driven by someone you don’t know who is uninsured, and potentially very dangerous. If such a vehicle approaches you, take its registration number and pass the details on to the Police or your local authority licensing team. By doing this you may save someone else from a potentially dangerous experience.

Any other problem with a licensed taxi should also be referred back to the Licensing Department at the Town Hall. If you are out with your friends keep an eye on them, if they have been drinking too much make sure they are OK and get home safely. Just like you would like them to do for you. Remember, friends stay together and stay safe.

If you are in a group, try and plan where you are going and have a meal as part of your night out. Arrange where you are going to be picked up by your transport and get there at least 15 minutes early, because there will always be someone you can’t find. Try and meet up at pre-arranged points at least once in the night, and keep an eye on anyone in the group who is drinking a lot. It’s not a good idea to try and smuggle alcohol in handbags into premises, many venues check for this and will refuse entry to anyone they find. Drinking large amounts of alcohol will just spoil your night and for others, because being drunk in a pub or bar is illegal so someone will have to take you home early.

If you are using public transport or have not booked a taxi in advance, try leaving 10 to 15 minutes before the end of the night, and beat the crowds. You will be home with your cocoa while the rest are still queuing!