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Changes to bin collection days over Christmas and New Year

Your rubbish and recycling collection days may change during the festive period. Find out your bin collection day.

There will be no garden waste collections between 29 December and 9 January.

Santa says: "Make licensed taxis your sleigh this Christmas!"

Taxis lined up at Licensed Taxi Rank in Guildford

Taxis lined up at Licensed Taxi Rank in Guildford
As the festive season kicks into full swing, we're reminding residents to keep the celebrations merry and safe by choosing licensed taxis for Christmas and New Year journeys.

With mulled wine, mince pies and merriment in the air, it's easy to get caught up in the magic of the season. But after you've sung the last carol and polished off the Christmas chocolate, it's important to make sure you get home safe.

Guildford's licensed taxis are secure, reliable and Santa-approved. They're the perfect way to get home in one piece!

This year, we've secured extra funding from Surrey Police to put on more taxi marshals on busy nights. This ensures that you can find taxis and services are running smoothly.

Why choose licensed taxis?

Santa-approved safety

Just like Santa's sleigh, licensed taxis are subject to rigorous safety checks before setting off. Drivers are thoroughly vetted, ensuring they're all on the 'Nice List' by meeting our standards. Using a licensed taxi also means that it's much easier tracing lost items such as phones, wallets or presents.

CCTV in all vehicles

Every Guildford taxi is fitted with CCTV for extra piece of mind. This protects both drivers and passengers, especially if you're travelling alone.

Elf-sized insurance

Licensed taxis are fully insured. This protects both drivers and passengers in the event of any unexpected festive mishaps.

No Grinch-like surprises

All fares are set by us, so you can be sure of what you will pay for your journey. No surge pricing here!

Stay off the 'Bad List'

If you're out enjoying yourself and need to get home, make sure you take a taxi instead of placing yourself and others at risk by driving under the influence. It might not prevent a hangover, but you'll prevent a serious accident and a criminal record.

Santa's top tips for using licensed taxis:

  • Plan ahead. Book your taxi in advance, especially on Christmas Eve, to avoid any last-minute dashes.
  • Check the licence. Look for the taxi's licence plate and driver ID before you board. All Guildford licensed vehicles display official identification on the rear plate and front doors.
  • Use trusted services. There's good availability of taxis from official ranks in Guildford town centre. Head there to get home safely or book with well-known taxi companies or licensed operators. National app-based operators are not licensed by the Council. They're also not subject to our rigorous standards, including not having CCTV to keep you safe.

Lead Councillor for Regulatory Services at Guildford Borough Council, Cllr Merel Rehorst-Smith, says:

"As we deck the halls and enjoy the festivities, let's also remember to prioritise safety. Choosing licensed taxis is the way to go to ensure your night ends on the right note.

"Get home safely so you can continue to enjoy the Christmas festivities with friends and family!"

More information about licensed taxi services can be found on our website.