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Watch out for bogus cabs
Published 20.08.2008 15:37
Now the evenings are beginning to draw in a little, people will increasingly be turning to cabs to get them home after a night out.

Spelthorne Council is urging people to take some simple precautions to make sure they don’t use unlicensed cabs some of whose drivers prey on lone women. These pose a real threat to unsuspecting people. In addition, if you are involved in an accident in an unlicensed vehicle you might not be covered by insurance.

All taxis and private hire vehicles must be licensed by the local authority – these include stretch limos and chauffeur driven cars.

  • all drivers must have a criminal record check before a licence is issued and wear an identification badge
  • only licensed taxis can ply for trade – either at ranks or when hailed. Private hire vehicles - most often referred to as minicabs – have to be booked in advance
  • you should make sure that the vehicle has a plate on the back of the car with the registration number and an expiry date
  • if booking a private hire car, ask what the fare will be when you make the booking

The following are a few tips on how to keep safe:
  • try and tell someone where you are going and what time you expect to be home and if your plans change, let them know
  • check whether the vehicle is licensed before you get in it
  • pre-book and ask the driver who he or she is waiting for when the car arrives
  • keep your mobile phone charged up and with credit

Councillor Robin Sider, Chairman of the Licensing Committee said: “People are truly taking their lives in their hands if they use unlicensed taxis. These vehicles offer no protection and every year we read of assaults, and worse, as a result of people using these bogus cabs. For women travelling alone, this can be similar to getting in the car of a kerb crawler. We will continue working to eradicate this dangerous practice but please work with us by exercising care. These people will only continue to operate if they know that there are customers.”