Taxi Driver Online

Clampdown on illegal London cabs sees more than 100 arrests

8:27am Monday 25th October 2010

A clampdown on illegal cabs across London led to more than 100 arrests.

Officers from the Safer Transport Command launched the operation, named Safer Travel at Night (STaN), to tackle touting between September 23 and October 9 - when thousands of students begin a new life in London.

The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) Cab Enforcement Unit, part of the Transport for London (TfL)-funded Safer Transport Command (STC), were involved.

Chief Superintendent Royle, from Safer Transport Command, said: "Unbooked minicabs are uninsured for carrying passengers and not only do they undermine the legitimate cab trade but are a danger of the capital's night life.

"The Safer Transport Command regularly carries out major operations to tackle touting and this increased enforcement activity was to remind students, particularly those new to London, about the dangers of getting into unbooked minicabs.

"The safety of the public is paramount and I would advise anyone not to get into any minicab that they have not booked and always book it through a licensed operator."

Officers tackled touting involving both licensed and unlicensed drivers in student areas across London, successfully deterring and arresting illegal cab drivers and acquiring valuable intelligence.

The operation covered every borough in the capital, as the Cab Enforcement and Safer Transport Teams engaged with thousands of Londoners, and in particular students.

Officers also provided safer travel information and encouraged them to book minicabs as well as reminding them that only black cabs can be stopped and picked up off the street without being booked.

Steve Burton, TfL's Director of Community Safety, Enforcement and Policing, said: "These operations are a priority for us and these arrests should serve as a clear reminder to touts that the Safer Transport Command is out there and will take action.

"However as part of our efforts to crackdown on illegal cab activity we also need Londoners to stop taking unbooked minicabs and remember that only black cabs can be hailed in the street or picked up at a rank without booking."

Source; http://www.stainesguardian.co.uk/news/8 ... 0_arrests/

_________________
Kind regards,

Brummie Cabbie.

Type a message, post your news,
Disagree with other members' views;
But please, do have some decorum,
When debating on the TDO Forum.

They don't half think of some strange names for these units

The point is a good one, as if no punters got into PH unbooked then the problem would be no-more.

One has to wonder why they do, IMO it's the fault of the black cab trade.

_________________
IDFIMH

Why?

If you had 37 empty Taxis sitting in full view of Miss 'I'm Pizzed so I'll do what I like'.

She'd still get into a scab, as she thinks she'll save £2.73 on her £12 trip home. £60 in booze, but a £12 Taxi home's too expensive.

They get the service and statistics they deserve.

Exactly!!!

£60-80 or £100 on booze & food for a night out, but the cabbie can whistle for his fare!!!

_________________
Kind regards,

Brummie Cabbie.

Type a message, post your news,
Disagree with other members' views;
But please, do have some decorum,
When debating on the TDO Forum.