Christmas party-goers are being urged to make sure a good night out ends that way by planning their journey home.

As part of a Christmas safety tips campaign, safe & sound, Dudley’s community safety partnership wants people to get home safely after a night out.

The partnership is warning people not to drink and drive and is encouraging the use of public transport.

People planning to get home in a taxi should also ensure it is licensed as unlicensed vehicles are not insured to carry passengers and may not be trustworthy.

If you’re intending to travel by car, allocate a designated driver. Don’t drink or take drugs and drive.

If you plan to use public transport check your journey times by calling travel line on 0871 200 22 33 (8am to 8pm) or visiting www.traveline.info before you head out.

Private hire vehicles can be booked in advance through licensed operators, when booking in this way always ask for a quote. Hackney carriages can be hailed in the street or hired at a taxi-rank without pre-arrangement.

When travelling home, revellers are encouraged to try to travel with a friend, always make sure their mobile is charged and ensure they have enough cash for their journey.

Councillor Gaye Partridge, cabinet member responsible for community safety, said:

“Everyone should enjoy their Christmas nights so it’s really important to plan your journey home in advance.

“Often after having a good night and a few drinks people don’t put enough importance on how they will get home.

“We want people to enjoy the festive period and simply planning a safe journey home could make all the difference.”