Residents were warned that using private vehicles for hire could put passengers at risk.

A Government spokesman said: “For the safety and security of the travelling public, the Ministry of Transport wishes to remind the public that unlike public service vehicles such as taxi cab services, private vehicles used for hire are unregulated, and as such, have the potential to put riders at risk.”

He added that private vehicles do not need to be maintained “to public service vehicle safety standards”.

The spokesman said they do not have passenger insurance and that drivers do not undergo background checks.

He added that the Motor Car Act provided that “the use of private vehicles for hire or reward is illegal”.

The spokesman said: “While the cost may be less expensive, when choosing public transportation options, members of the public are strongly advised to take into consideration the safety and security of themselves and their loved ones.”

• To report the illegal use of private vehicles for hire or reward, call 292-1271 and ask to speak to a traffic officer.