Five ways to stay safe in taxis and minicabs
Licensed taxis and minicabs are a safe and flexible way of getting home after a night out. However, every month in London ten women are sexually assaulted in unlicensed taxis. Find out how to stay safe:
- Use only taxis (with the illuminated taxi sign) or licensed minicabs. Look for the green triangle license in the front and back windows of minicabs.
- Cars cruising the streets are illegal and uninsured. Book a taxi or minicab in advance using a trusted, licensed company. Always ask for the driver’s name, as well as the make and colour of the car, and confirm the driver’s details when they arrive to check that this is the taxi you ordered.
- When ordering a cab, do not let anyone overhear your name and address.
- Share a minicab or taxi with friends where possible and arrange a buddy system by calling when you get home to inform your friends that you are home safe.
- If you feel threatened at any time, trust your instincts. Ask the driver to stop in a busy area and get out of the car. If the driver refuses to stop – call the police on your mobile and alert other drivers and pedestrians by waving or calling out of the car.
Woman Fights off Peterborough Taxi Sex Attacker
A 31-year-old woman on a night out in Peterborough fought off an attack after accepting a lift from a man she believed to be a taxi driver.
She had been drinking with friends before trying to get home at about 0400 GMT on Christmas Day.
A dark grey car, possibly a Vauxhall Vectra, stopped as she walked along Park Road, police said.
The driver took her to Uldale Way in Gunthorpe and returned a short while later and tried to force his way in.
She managed to fight him off and he fled, police said.
The offender is described as 6ft (1.8m) of medium build, with short blond hair.
Det Sgt Adam Fraser said: “This was a terrifying incident for the victim who showed great bravery to fight off the attacker.
“I would appeal to anyone who saw the vehicle in Park Road or the man running off along Uldale Way following the attack.
“The offender may have sustained facial injuries during the incident and I would like to speak to anyone who has a friend or relative with unexplained marks on their face from around that time.
“I would also urge people to ensure they use licensed taxi companies and book in advance where possible.”
Beardmore London Taxi
The Beardmore Paramount MK& was a complete shift away from the traditional builds. It was built in 1963 by Windovers Beardmores. Wings and Roofs were made of fibre glass and the body aluminium. The front passenger cabin was purposely design as a luggage space. It still sat 5 passengers with ashtrays built in for smoking passenger.
