DANGERS OF USING AN UNLICENSED PRIVATE HIRE CHAUFFEUR VEHICLE


Taxi's and private chauffeur vehicles that operate illegally are not monitored by or answerable to anyone, therefore there are no guarantees for passenger safety. Unlike licensed Minicabs, London taxi's and private hire chauffeur vehicles, illegal miniMinicabs may not be roadworthy and people travelling in one would not be insured in the event of an accident. As they tend to operate in areas of London where they know passengers will be desperate for a Minicab, they may charge random and excessive fares because the passenger might be too drunk, tired, or by this point, worried, to argue.

A common scenario occurs where a clubber falls out into the night, fuzzy-headed and desperate to get chauffeur driven home. They may not know where the nearest Minicab rank is and public transport will have stopped. Up pulls an unlicensed miniMinicab and it seems like a good idea to hop in. However, often the driver does not know where they are going or may drive the long way just to charge the passenger more. They may drive dangerously, and finally charge a ridiculous amount for what should have been a short and simple journey. Unwitting passengers often feel threatened or sometimes are actually threatened by the unlicensed chauffeur driver into paying just so that they can get away. Is this what you want from a taxi journey? The responsibility falls on all of us to be aware of how and with whom we travel, and to squeeze out the unlicensed taxi drivers.

It is thought that men take unlicensed taxis because they do not consider the danger, while women choose them as the lesser of two evils. Women tend to take illegal miniMinicabs to avoid the potential dangers of walking home alone late at night, not realising that riding in an unlicensed Minicab is an equal threat.

In London alone, recent statistics show that 11 women are attacked each month after taking an unlicensed Minicab.
80% of stranger rapes are committed by unlicensed Minicab drivers.

Always look for the Minicab licence number, phone number printed on the side, and discs in the front and back windows to see if it is the taxi that you ordered. If you didn't order one, don't get in it; even if it is a licensed taxi. They should not be touting for business off the street.

Minicab Safety Tips Always use a licensed Minicab.

Plan ahead. When going out, make sure you know how you are going to get back home and who you are going home with. It is better to plan your transport options while you are still sober and have your wits about you. Finding yourself alone miles from home at 2:30 in the morning is a situation you want to avoid.


Book in advance. Pre-booking a taxi or a chauffeur driven vehicle will avoid last-minute desperate decisions. Book with a known chauffeur comapny that someone you know uses regularly. Try and find a chauffeur service that uses text or call-back to let you know when the taxi is arriving.

Keep Minicab numbers handy. Keep about three numbers stored in your mobile and keep a separate copy elsewhere in case you lose your phone. If you are out at a venue and do not have any numbers, ask a member of staff to recommend a licensed firm. Do not accept lifts from strangers.

Be discreet. Try not to let strangers overhear you order a taxi. If they overhear your details they could pretend to be the taxi you ordered.

Find out the price. Get a quote for the taxi fare over the phone so that you can set aside enough money. Private hire chauffeur cars are not required to have meters and there are no price limits, so always confirm the price again before getting in.

Get vehicle details. When booking, ask if they can tell you the colour and make of car as well as your chauffeurs name.

Let someone know. If you are travelling to meet a friend, let them know the name of the chauffeur company, where you are being picked up from and what time you expect to get there.

Make sure it's your Minicab. When they arrive, ask them to confirm the booking details. Ask who it is for; don't say "is this the taxi for ____?" Check their ID to make sure it's from the company you ordered. If you feel unsure about a driver, just don't get in.

Sit in the back. Choose the seat behind the driver as this puts you the furthest out of reach. If a group of you are taking the taxi, ensure that the last person who will get out sits there. Keep your belongings about your person.

Mind your mouth. If you speak to the driver, don't reveal any personal information. Just stick to general topics.

Use your mobile. If you feel nervous, phone a friend (or pretend to). This will make it less likely for anything to occur. If you are seriously concerned, phone the police immediately.

When you have arrived, ask the driver to wait until you are indoors. They should be happy to do this so that you use their service more often.

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