Taxis are becoming less recognisable as the choice of vehicle for use as a cab becomes more diverse, according to a leading taxi safety campaign.
Taxiwise, the national campaign for the safe use of taxis, believes if passengers are not clear on what type of vehicle can be licensed as a taxi and what cannot, they are more likely to fall prey to an unlicensed rogue cab driver.
The only vehicle, which meets the strict guidelines on quality, safety and accessibility, is the traditional London-style cab. Therefore, anyone jumping into a London cab in London can be as sure as possible that it is properly licensed to operate as a Hackney carriage, picking people up off ranks and being hailed on the street.
Taxiwise wants to see a national standard brought in to govern all vehicles used as taxis rather than each council setting its own rules. This would dictate certain safety requirements a cab needs to adhere to and ensure it was instantly recognisable and distinguishable from other vehicles on the road.
This comes after attacks especially on women by bogus taxi drivers, sadly continues to increase. There are an estimated 30,000 unlicensed cab drivers operating across the UK and it’s thought that they attack 5,000 women every year.
So please be careful, book your taxi in advance and simply do not be tempted by taxis especially if the fare is cheaper.
Jackie Violet